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COMING TO THE KING. 



A BOOK OF 



Dailj) ^zboixam fox Cjriltom 

BY 

GRACE WEBSTER HINSDALE 



a dhow art coming to a 

JZarge petitions with thee hring / 
$or his grace and power are such ; 
JVone can ever aslo too much." 



NEW YORK: 
1NSON D. F. RANDOLPH & CO., 

No. 770 BROADWAY. 

Corner of 9th Street. 



bVasto 

.HAS 



Entered, according to Act Oi' Congress, in the year 1S66, 

By Anson D. F. Randolph, 

la the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United Stat** 
for the Southern District of New York. 






By Exchange 
Army And Navy Olub 
Aug. 13.I92» 



.c\ x 



EDWARD 0. JENKINS, 
printer & .Stereotsper, 
No. 20 North William St. 



Dear Children— is it not a precious privilege 
to he allowed to "kneel "before the throne of the great 
King, and to ask for all that we need f Let us bring 
to him our praise and prayers with grateful hearts, 
knowing that he is our gracious and loving Father, 
through Jesus Christ our Saviour. 

G. W. H. 



I have written these simple Prayers, hoping that 
they may be of seme service in the morning and eve- 
ning devotions of children. I may be mistaken in 
thinking that such a book will be welcomed. But my 
own children kneel by my side, and while I am waiting 
for them to express their own petitions, they look up 
into my face and ask, " Mother, what shall I say ?" 
Do not many others often depend upon some one to 
tell them what to pray for ? Certainly no one can tell 
a child as much of our heavenly Father's love as the 
parents, and they can best teach it how to offer its 
worship and desires to God. It is my humble desire 
that this little book may be approved by Christian 
parents, and that God will graciously bless it in con- 
nection with their labors. I have endeavored by the 
poetical selections and Scripture passages for each day, 
to increase the attraction and value of the book ; and 
I shall be glad if it proves to be a help to the children 
to whom it is offered. 

G. W. H. 

Brooklyn, N. Y., 
May, 1865. 



COMING TO THE KING. 



FIRST DA Y. 

VKEEL, my child, for God is here I 

Bend in love, but not in fear ; 
Kneel before him now in prayer ; 
Thank him for his constant care ; 
Praise him for his bounties shed 
Every moment on thy head ; 
Ask for light to know his will, 
Ask for love, thy heart to fill ; 
Ask for faith to bear thee on 
Through the might of Christ, his son ; 
Ask his Spirit still to guide thee 
Through the ills that may betide thee ; 
Ask for peace, to lull to rest 
Every tumult of thy breast ; 
Ask in awe, but not in fear ; 
Kneel, my child, for God is here ! 

ANON. 

O God, thou art my God ; early will I seek 
thee. Ps. lxiii. i. 

Every day will I bless thee ; and I will praise 
thy name for ever and ever. Ps. cxlv. 2. 
1* 15) 



6 COMING TO THE KING. 

The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon 
him, to all that call upon him in truth. Ps. cxlv. 
18. 

They that seek the Lord shall not want any 
good thing. Ps. xxxiv. 10. 

Thou shalt call me, My father ; and shalt not 
turn away from me. Jer. iii. 19. 

Morning. 

AUR Father which art in heaven ; Hal 
^ lowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. 
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 
Give us this day our daily bread. And for- 
give us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver 
us from evil : For thine is the kingdom, and 
the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 
Matt. vi. 9-13. 

Evening. 

ALMIGHTY GOD, thou art my crea* 
^*- tor ; my body, so wonderfully made, is 
the work of thy hand, and my soul, which 



COMING TO THE KING. 7 

shall never die, came from thee. I belong to 
thee, my heavenly Father. My spirit must 
go back to thee when my poor body returns 
to dust. Oh let me never forget that I must 
give an account to thee of my life in this 
world ; of all my thoughts and words and 
acts ! 

I thank thee, God, for the multitude 
of thy mercies to me here. But, above all 
other things, I long to have my name writ- 
ten in heaven, in the book of life. 

Lord, thou dost know me by my name ; 
I am not too young for thy gracious notice. 
Thou hast known my coming in, and my go- 
ing out this day, and every moment of my 
life has been spent in thy sight. I pray 
thee to forgive my many sins, and to give 
me grace to live to thy praise. 

Lord, may Jesus be my Saviour, and 
may my prayer be accepted for his sake. 
Amen. 



COMING TO THE KING. 



SECOND DAY. 

TE the green fields of Palestine, 
-*- By its fountains and its rills, 
And by the sacred Jordan's stream, 
And o'er the vine-clad hills. 

Once lived and roved the fairest child 

That ever blessed the earth ; 
The happiest, the holiest 

That e'er had human birth. 

How beautiful his childhood was ! 

Harmless and undefiled ; 
Oh ! dear to his young mother's heart 

Was this pure, sinless child ! 

Kindly in all his deeds and words 

And gentle as the dove ; 
Obedient, affectionate, 

His very soul was love. 

Oh ! is it not a blessed thought, 

Children of human birth, 
That once the Saviour was a child 

And lived upon the earth ? 

c. F. H. 



COMING TO THE KING. g 

And this is the record that God hath given to 
us eternal life ; and this life is in his Son. 

He that haih the Son hath life ; and he that 
hath not the Son of God hath not life. 

These things have I written unto you that be- 
lieve on the name of the Son of God, that ye 
may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye 
may believe on the name of the Son of God, 

And this is the confidence that we have in him, 
that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he 
heareth us. i Jno. v. 11-14. 

Morning. 

A LORD, thou art the creator of all 
" things ; there is no other God beside 
thee ; thou art the maker of heaven and 
earth ; thou art our Father, and hast invited 
us to come unto thee for those things which 
we need. 

Be pleased to teach me how to pray, and 
give me right desires ; help me to under- 
stand what it is to believe on the Lord Jesu; 
Christ, and to bring my prayers unto thee 
in his precious name. 



10 COMING TO THE KING. 

Dear Saviour, wash my soul in thy blood, 
and put upon me the beautiful robe of thy 
righteousness ; may I show' such a holy and 
obedient spirit, that thou mayest be glorified 
in my life, though I am but a child. 

Lord, preserve me this day from all 
evil ; from all sickness and accident, but es- 
pecially from sin ; and when the sun has 
gone down may I rejoice to think that I 
am one day nearer to my sweet home in 
heaven. I ask it all in Jesus' name. Amen. 



Evening. 

PiEAR heavenly Father, how good hast 
*J thou been to me to-day ! I cannot count 
thy mercies to me ! Let me not forget that 
all thy goodness is granted to me because 
Jesus the dear Saviour died to save us from 
the punishment we deserve. God, I pray 
thee to take away all my sins, and love me, 
and save me for Jesus 7 sake. 

Dear Father, if it please the? spare me 



COMING TO THE KING. T j 

from pain and sickness ; give me health and 
strength I humbly ask thee. But if it is 
thy holy will that I should suffer, as so 
many others do, please to comfort and bless 
me with thy love, and by thy grace help me 
to bear my pain, and to show a sweet and 
patient spirit. May I never be impatient 
or ready to complain, but teach me always 
to be satisfied with thy wise care and will. 
In all my life, whether I am sick or well, 
rich or poor, give me a heart to love and 
worship thee. God, be merciful to all 
who suffer ; to all who are sad and in dis- 
tress ; may the blessed Saviour tell them by 
his Spirit that God is wise and good, and 
knows what is best for them. Thou hast 
made me very happy here in my home in 
this world, but, I pray thee, never let me for- 
get what is promised in heaven to those 
who repent of their sins and love the Sa- 
viour. Lord, hear my prayer for Jesus 1 
sake. Amen. 



12 COMING TO THE KING. 



THIRD DA Y. 

CEEING I am Jesus' lamb, 
^ Ever glad at heart I am 
O'er my Shepherd kind and good, 
Who provides me daily food, 
And his lamb by name doth call, 
For he knows and loves ns all. 

Guided by his gentle staff 
Where the sunny pastures laugh, 
I go in and out and feed, 
Lacking nothing that I need ; 
When I thirst my feet he brings 
To the fresh and living springs. 

Must I not rejoice for this ? 

He is mine and I am his ; 

And when these bright days are past, 

Safely in his arms at last 

He will bear me home to Heaven ; 

Oh what joy hath Jesus given ! 

LUISE H. VON HAYM. 

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from 



COMIX G TO THE KING. 



13 



above, and cometh down from the Father of lights. 
J as. i. 17. 

Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. 
2 Cor. ix. 15. 

I am the good Shepherd, and know my sheep, 
and am known of mine. Jno. x. 14. 

And there shall be one fold, and one Shepherd. 
Jno. x. 16. 

Morning. 

"TvEAR heavenly Father, accept my thanks 
U for the morning light ; thou hast pre- 
served me through the darkness of the night, 
and I have slept in safety, because thy hand 
has shielded me from every danger. Accept 
my thanks that thou hast made me capable 
of c&lling upon thee in prayer. 

Lord, let no evil thoughts enter my 
heart to-day, but create within me a clean 
heart, that my words and actions may be 
right in thy sight. May all the pleasures I 
enjoy remind me of thee, who art the giver 
of all my mercies ; in all my little trials and 

disappointments give me confidence in thy 
2 



, 4 COMING TO THE KINO. 

gentleness and pity, and receive my humble 
prayer for thy help. I am often impatient 
and unwilling to be confined to the duties 
given me to do. I am too easily provoked 
and made angry by contradiction and slight 
injury. Dear Jesus, give me thy meek and 
lowly mind ; help me to persevere in trying 
to imitate thee ; help me to conquer all feel- 
ings of resentment, and make me willing to 
bear many injuries rather than offer one to 
another. 

Lord, assist me in all my studies this 
day, and make me intelligent and thoughtful 
and full of love to thee. I beseech thee, 
hear my prayer for Jesus' sake. Amen. 

Evening. 

r^EAR Jesus, thou dost call thyself the 
^ Good Shepherd ; I beseech thee keep 
ma safely in thy fold. Oh, make me one of 
thy lambs, and let me not wander away from 
thy side. May I know and obey the voice 
of my Shepherd. Dear Saviour, guide 



COMING TO THE KING. 1 5 

me safely through this world, and bring me, 
at last, to see thy face, and to sing thy 
praise in the heavenly fold above. Lord, 
gather all the children of the world into thy 
happy flock ; may we all love thy voice, and 
attend to thy commands. Give to us such 
blessings in this life as thou shalt see are 
for our good ; provide for us those things 
which we need each day. and graciously 
protect us from every danger. Save us 
from the evils that are in this sinful world, 
and from the selfishness and wickedness of 
our own hearts. Dear Jesus, do for us all 
that we need, and take our hands in thine 
and lead us safely to our heavenly home. 
Amen. 




16 COMING TO THE KING. 



FOURTH DAY. 

l^THY do we say " Thy kingdom come ?" 
Because our King is far away, 
And till lie comes to us again, 
We wait, and watch, and pray. 

Because some hearts are cold and hard, 
And some are traitors to his cause, 

They do not honor the great King, 
They will not keep his laws. 

But if we say these solemn words, 
And hope to share his triumph hour, 

Our hearts must be his kingdom now, 
Where he alone hath power. 

They must be holy, pure, and true, 

Obeying Christ in every thing, 
For they who own his gentle rule, 

Can have no other King. 

ANON. 

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to 
keep thee in all thy ways. Ps. xci. 1 1 . 

Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to 
minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation ? 
Heb. i. 14. 



COMING TO THE KING. 



17 



So shall it be at the end of the world : the an- 
gels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from 
among the just. Matt. xiii. 49. 

And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and 
was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom. 
Luke xvi. 22. 

Morning. 

TJE AVENLY Father ! please to draw me 
^-*- near to thee this morning ; please to 
make me humble and sincere when I kneel 
before thee. To-day I would delight to re- 
member what thy word tells us of the holy 
angels. Wilt thou not give them a charge 
concerning me, to protect me from harm, 
and to influence my heart by their gentle 
and loving presence ? 

There are many holy and beautiful angels 
around thy throne, and hast thou not said 
that they are sent on errands of love to us ? 
Lord, if thou hast indeed committed me, 
who am so helpless, to the sweet care and 
love of one of these holy beings, grant that 
2* 



18 COMING TO TEE KIN a 

I may not grieve that loving friend, by 
wicked thoughts or acts. May I remember 
that by-and-by the angels shall gather out 
of thy kingdom all things that offend and 
them which do iniquity. 

Oh, keep me, dear Father, from every sin, 
and may the angels bring me at last into 
thine arms for Jesus' sake. Amen. 

Evening. 

C\ GOD, my gracious and loving Father, how 
^ much I need the mercy which thou art 
so ready to show to those who are sorry for 
their sins ! I have done tho things I ought 
not to have done ; I have left undone the 
things I ought to have done. I beseech of 
thee to look upon Jesus, thy dear Son, in 
whom thou art well pleased, as my Saviour, 
suffering my punishment, and offering his 
perfect righteousness in the place of my in- 
gratitude and sin. 

Thou art, Lord, a great and glorious 
King, and I have broken thy just and holy 



COMING TO THE KING. 



l 9 



laws ; but I grieve most of all because I 
have offended such a kind and tender Father. 
God, let me not go on in my evil ways, 
thinking that thou wilt still be patient with 
me, and overlook my sin ! Let thy goodness 
make me grateful and obedient, and grant 
thy forgiving mercy to my soul through 
Jesus, my Saviour. Amen. 




20 COMING TO THE KING. 



FIFTH DA T. 

THROUGH the day Thy love has spauxl iis» 

Now we lay us down to rest ; 
Through the silent watches guard us, 
Let no foe our peace molest : 
Jesus thou our guardian be ; 
Sweet it is to trust in thee. 

Pilgrims here on earth, and strangers, 

Dwelling in the midst of foes, 
Us and ours preserve from dangers ; 
In thine arms may we repose ; 

And, when life's short day is past, 
Eest with thee in heaven at last. anon. 

Thou, even thou, art Lord alone : thou hast 
made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all 
their host, the earth, and all things that are there- 
in, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou pre- 
servest them all ; and the host of heaven worship- 
ped thee. Neh. ix. 6. 

Glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, 
which are God's l Cor. vi. 20. 



COMING TO THE KING. 2 \ 

Morning. 

INTERNAL and infinite God ! I worship 
•^ thee as the only true and holy God ; 
thou art worthy of all praise and love ; 
thou art from everlasting, and the worlds 
were made by thy power ; thou gavest me 
my being, and to thy compassion and mercy 
I owe all my blessings. 

G God, teach me to understand more 
about the life which my soul shall have after 
my body is laid in the grave ; prepare me 
to spend eternity with the happy saints and 
angels in heaven. May I feel the value of 
the few days and years I am to spend here 
upon the earth. Let me not forget, heav- 
enly Father, that the young often die, and 
that I may be taken out of the world at any 
Itime. Lord, I pray thee to accept my 
thanks for the sweet hope of life and happi- 
ness in heaven. I will not be afraid ol 
death,* for the blessed Saviour will receive 
me into his arms when I leave earthly 
friends. Lord, I beseech thee not to re- 



22 00MIK2 TO THE KINQ. 

member my many sins, but wash them all 
away in Jesus' blood, and save my soul for 
his sake. Amen. 



Evening. 

TJEAVENLY Father ! I bow at thy feet 
•*-*■ this evening to thank thee for all the 
gifts which fall from thy bountiful hand 
upon me. Oh ! let me give myself to thee ; 
may I keep nothing back. 

I rejoice to know that I am not my own, 
but that with my body and soul I belong to 
the dear Saviour. May my eye look with 
faith to Jesus ; may I trust and love him. 
Let my ear be opened to his voice, and may 
I sit with delight at Jesus 7 feet, hearing his 
word. Give my hand some work to do for 
him who has done so much for me, and give 
me a faithful spirit. Oh ! may my feet fol- 
low in his holy steps, and run the way of 
God's commandments. May my lips speak 
of Jesus' love, and sing his praise. Lord, 



COMING TO THE KING. 



23 



I would give my whole heart to him who 
gave himself for me. 

Mercifully forgive my sins this night. 
Watch over me and all whom I love while 
we rest ; may we offer unto thee grateful 
hearts as we close our eyes to sleep, and 
may we wake to enjoy thy continued good- 
ness. I ask it all in Jesus 7 name. Amen. 




84 COMING TO THE KINO. 



SIXTH DAY. 

n OD of mercy, throned on high, 

Listen from thy lofty seat, 
Hear, oh hear our feeble cry, 

Guide, oh guide our wandering feet ! 

Young and erring travelers, we 
All our dangers do not know ; 

Scarcely fear the stormy sea, 
Hardly feel the tempest blow. 

Jesus, lover of the young, 

Cleanse us with thy blood divine ! 

Ere the tide of sins grow strong, 
Save us, keep us, make us thine ! 

Let us ever hear thy voice, 

Ask thy counsel every day ; 
Saints and angels will rejoice, 

If we walk in wisdom's way. anon. 

I will instruct thee, and teach thee in the way 
which thou shalt go : I will guide thee with mine 
eye. Ps. xxxii. 8. 



COMING TO THE KING. 25 

Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and af- 
terward receive me to glory. Ps. lxxiii. 24. 

Likewise, I say unto you, There is joy in the 
presence of the angels of God over one sinner that 
repenteth. Luke xv. xo. 



Morning. 

A LORD, every morning when I rise I 
^ would start anew on my pleasant jour- 
ney to my heavenly home. Please to show 
me the wrong steps I have taken in the 
past ; please to guide me to-day, and in all 
my life. 

When my parents reprove me for wrong- 
doing, may I he sorry for my fault, and wilt 
thou make me submissive to their correction. 
May I never be proud or boastful or obsti- 
nate, but keep me humble and careful and 
obedient. 

Lord, bless me not only, but grant thy 
mercy to every child in all the world ; send 
blessings to all the poor and to those who 



26 COMING TO THE KING. 

are sick ; let the love of Jesus be known 
over all the earth. I offer my prayer in 
Jesus' name. Amen. 



Evening. 

TJELP me, Lord, to feel that I am in 
-" thy holy presence when I kneel to 
pray. Help me to put away all other 
thoughts from my mind ; and please to bend 
thine ear to my prayer. 

I have been permitted to enjoy the pleas- 
ures of another day, and now I come to ask 
thee, my Father in heaven, to watch over 
me while I sleep, and to wake me in the 
morning with a grateful and obedient heart. 
I am ashamed that I do so little that can 
please God ; be pleased to accept my simple 
faith, while I try to lay my sins on Jesus, 
the spotless Lamb of God ; help me to un- 
derstand how he became a sacrifice for m^, 
and for his sake hear my prayer. Amen. 



COMING TO THE KING. 2 ; 



SEVENTH DA Y. 

I AMB of God, I look to thee ; 
•^ Thou shalt my example be ; 
Thou art gentle, meek, and mild ; 
Thou wast once a little child. 

Fain I would be as thou art ; 
Give me thy obedient heart ! 
Thou art pitiful and kind ; 
Let me have thy loving mind. 

Loving Jesus, gentle Lamb, 
In thy gracious hands I am ; 
Make me, Saviour, what thou art ! . 
Live thyself within my heart ! 

I shall then show forth thy praise ; 
Serve thee all my happy days ; 
Then the world shall always see 
Christ, the Holy Child, in me. 

CHARLES WESLEY. 

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto 
him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which 
taketh away the sin of the world ! Jno. i # xxix. 



28 COMING TO TEE KING. 

Let this mind be in you, which was also in 
Christ Jesus. Phil. ii. v. 

Beware lest thou forget the Lord. Deut. vi. 1 2. 

God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be 
tempted above that ye are able ; but will with 
the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye 
may be able to bear it. i Cor. x. 1 3. 

To him that overcometh will I give to eat of 
the tree of life, which is in the midst of the para- 
dise of God. Rev. ii. 7. 



Morning. 

A LORD GOD, though thou art such a 
" great and holy Being, thy word tells 
me that thou dost think upon me, and that 
thou dost love and pity me. Thou art in- 
deed the best friend I can have ; my earthly 
father cannot love me with such a love as 
thine. Thy thoughts of us are full of 
mercy, and thou hast spoken to us by the 
sweet and gentle voice of Jesus, our dear 
. Saviour. 

Lord, help me this morning to offer a 



COMING TO THE KING. 



29 



new song of praise to thee ; and please to 
put within me a more obedient heart. 

I would think of thee this day, dear 
heavenly Father ; in the midst of my pleas- 
ures may I remember thee with gratitude ; 
when I am tempted to sin, may I remember 
thy commands, and fear the Lord. I be- 
seech of thee, God, to hear my prayer 
for Jesus' sake. Amen. 

Evening. 

OLOKD, thou hast again commanded the 
darkness to cover the earth, and I am 
come to offer unto thee my evening prayer. 
My days pass swiftly away in the midst of 
thy blessings. Oh help me to remember that 
if my life is spared, I shall have real and 
important duties to perform. May my char- 
acter and manners be improved each day. 
Let not my wicked heart deceive me ; but 
help me to cultivate a noble and pure spirit, 
that I may be prepared to do good in the 
world. 

3* 



3<> 



COMING TO THE KING. 



Tonight I pray for the forgiveness of all 
my sins ; give me, I pray thee, a holy desire 
to overcome every wrong disposition, and 
wash me thoroughly from every stain of sin. 

Into thy merciful hands I commit myself 
and my dear friends this night ; please to 
grant us thy mercy, for Jesus' sake. Amen. 




COMING TO THE KINO. 31 



EIGHTH DAY. 

THE Spirit, like a peaceful clove, 
-*• Flies from the realms of noise and strife : 
Why should we vex and grieve his love, 
Who seals our souls to heavenly life I 

Tender and kind be all our thoughts ; 

Through all our lives let mercy run : 
So God forgives our numerous faults, 

For the dear sake of Christ, his Son. 

WATTS. 

And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance 
fell. Gen. iv. 5. 

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance, 
Prov. xv. 1 3. 

Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth ; keep 
the door of my lips. Ps. cxli. 3. 

My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my 
tongue utter deceit. Job xxvii. 4. 

I beseech thee, show me thy glory. Ex. 
xxxiii. 18* 



32 



COMING TO THE KINU. 



Morning. 



TvEAR Jesus! I do not wonder that the 
*J little children fan with gladness into 
thine arms when thou wast on the earth. 
Thy smile was sweet to see, and thy voice 
was gentle and kind. 

Oh may there be upon my face the signs 
of a loving and Christ-like spirit. Open 
thou my lips, that all my words may be 
such as thou wouldst have me speak. Let 
ao little word of mine stir up strife or cause 
unhappiness among my companions. But 
may I always wear a pleasant smile, and 
may my voice show a happy heart to all 
around me. Bless me this day, God, I 
pray thee, and hear my prayer for Jesus* 
sake. Amen. 

Evening. 

DEAR heavenly Father, thou hast mer- 
cifully spared me through another day. 
I thank thee for thy goodness. To-night 



COMING TO THE KING. 



33 



I ask thy forgiveness for the many things 
which I have done displeasing to thee. 

I know that I ought to love thee per- 
fectly. Oil show me something of thy glory, 
that I may have in my heart a real spirit 
of worship and love to thee. May the 
Holy Spirit teach me to know God, and 
may he so change my wicked heart that I 
may love that which is right. 

Lord, remember all my dear friends 
to-night, and let thy mercy protect us for 
Jesus' sake. Amen. 




34 COMING TO THE KING. 



NINTH DA Y. 

T^ATHER in heaven, look down, I pray, 

And guide my steps throughout the day ; 
Let not my thoughts to sin incline, 
But fill me with thy grace divine. 

Let all my words and actions be 
Restrained and governed, Lord, by thee ; 
Bless my dear friends whom thou hast given 
To teach my soul the way to heaven. 

Bless me, dear Lord, again I pray ; 
Let nothing tempt me from the way 
Which leads at last, through Jesus' love, 
To that sweet home of joy above. 

g. w. H. 

The Lord your God is gracious and merciful, 
and will not turn away his face from you, if ve re- 
turn unto him. 2 Ghron. xxx. 9. 

Thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and 
merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness- 
Neh. ix. 17. 



COMING TO THE KING. 



35 



Like as a father pitieth his children, so the 
Lord pitieth them that fear him. Ps. ciii. 13. 

And David said unto the Lord, I have sinned 
greatly in that I have done : and now, I beseech 
thee, O Lord, take away the iniquity of thy ser- 
vant; for I have done very foolishly. 2 Sam. 
xxiv. io. 

Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth 
with all your heart • for consider how great things 
he hath done for you. 1 Sam. xii. 24. 

The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us 
from all sin. 1 John i. 7. 

Morning. 

T\EAR Jesus, my precious Saviour, I often 
*J wish that I could see thee ; I think it 
would be easier to be good and obedient, 
if I could always see thee by my side. I 
know that thou art up in heaven, and 
that thou sendest to me the good things I 
receive ! Thou hast written to me in thy 
holy word ; and the good and holy men who 
followed thee when thou wast upon the 



3 6 COMING TO THE KING. 

earth, have told us what they heard thee 
say, and saw thee do. Lord, open my 
eyes of faith, to see thee and know thee ; 
may I be sure of thy love to me, and believe 
in thee in my heart, though I cannot see 
thee. Help me to-day to act just as if I saw 
thee walking near me and looking upon me. 
Amen. 

Evening. 

C\ GOD, I have a sinful nature ; there are 
^ proud and foolish thoughts, and selfish 
wishes in my heart ; and thou canst see them 
all. Thine eye has watched me ail through 
this day ; and thine ear has heard all that I 
have said. 

I am sorry for all my sins, and for the 
mistakes I have made in my poor attempts 
to do right. Lord, do not keep the re- 
cord of my wicked acts upon thy book, I 
pray thee ; but before I fall asleep, let it all 
be blotted out for the dear Saviour's sake. 

Bless my brothers and sisters and our 



COMING TO THE KING. 37 

dear father and mother to-night ; please to 
hear their many prayers for us and make us 
what they wish us to be. May we never 
grieve their hearts by ungrateful and wicked 
conduct. In our childhood, dear heavenly 
Father, may we by thy grace acquire holy 
and useful habits, that our life here in this 
world may be to thy glory, and a comfort to 
our parents. 

Lord, cleanse my heart from all its sins in 
the precious blood of Christ, and accept my 
prayer for His sake. Amen. 




3 8 COMING TO THE KING. 



TENTH DA Y. 

n REAT God, and wilt thou condescend 
^ To be my Father and my Friend ? 
I, a poor child, and thou so high, 
The Lord of earth, and air, and sky ! 

Art thou my Father ? Let me be 

A meek, obedient child to thee ; 

And try in word, and deed, and thought 

To serve and please thee as I ought. 

Art thou my Father ? I'll depend 
Upon the care of such a Friend ; 
And only wish to do, and be, 
Whatever seemeth good to thee. 

Art thou my Father ? Then at last, 
When all my days on earth are passed, 
Send down and take me in thy love, 
To be thy better child above. 

JANE TAYLOR 

As the Father hath loved me, so have I love 
ycu. Jno. xv., 9. 



COMING TO THE KING. 



39 



If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is 
none of his. Rom. viii. 9. 

The Lord knoweth them that are his. 2 Tim. 
ii. 19. 

What shall I render unto the Lord for all his 
benefits toward me ? Ps. cxvi. 12. 

I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live ; I 
will sing praise to my God while I have my being. 
Ps. civ. 33. 

Cease to do evil. Is. i. 16. 

Learn to do well. Is. i. 17. 

That which I see not, teach thou me ; if I have 
done iniquity, I will do no more. Job xxxiv. 32. 



Morning. 

TVE AR heavenly Father, I bow down to of- 
•U fer unto thee my worship. Thou hast 
given to me my life ; and all my privileges 
and enjoyments are the gifts of thy love. 

To-day, I pray thee help me to improve in 
good behavior ; keep me from repeating 
the wrong acts I have done in thp past; 



4 o 



COMING TO THE KING. 



keep my tongue from speaking again the 
■words which have displeased thee. God, 
fill my heart with love to thee, and give me 
a true desire to be thy dear child. Please 
to grant thy mercy to all my friends, and 
bless the whole world for Jesus' sake 
Amen.' 

Evening. 

rjlHE sun has gone down, and the little 
-*- birds have folded their wings, and 
hushed their happy songs. I kneel before 
thee again, dear Father in heaven, to thank 
thee for all thy goodness and to ask thee 
still to keep me in thy loving care. 

How tenderly have I been cared for to- 
day by all my dear friends ! I can never 
repay my father and my mother for all their 
love ; God, I beseech thee to make me 
careful to do the things they bid me. Oh 
hear their many prayers for me, that I may 
grow up to live a holy and happy life. I 
ask it for the dear lledeemer's sake. Amen. 



COMWa TO THE KING. 



ELEVENTH DA T. 

'PELL, if thou canst, how yonder flower 
-*- To life and light has burst its way ; 
Through ten long months beneath the ground 
Its snowy petals torpid lay. 

Then I will teach thee how a child 
From death's long slumber can awake. 

And, to eternal life renewed, 

His robe of heavenly beauty take. 

While from the dust, each circling year, 
The snow-drop lifts its humble head, 

Say, shall I doubt God's equal power, 
To call me from my lowly bed ? 

ANON. 

And many of them that sleep in the dust of the 
earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and 
some to shame and everlasting contempt. Dan. 
xii. 2. 

Marvel not at this : for the hour is coming, in 

the which all that are in the graves shall hear his 

voice, and shall come forth ; they that have done 

good, unto the resurrection of life ; and they that 

4* 



4 z COMING TO THE XING. 

have done evil, unto the resurrection of damna 
tion. Jno„ v. 28, 29. 

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou 
shalt be saved. Acts xvi. 31. 



Morning. 

COME into thy presence this morning, 
-* my heavenly Father, to thank thee for 
the care which lias shielded me through the 
hours of another night. How wonderful 
and kind is the power that created and pre- 
serves my body ! I laid down to sleep and 
soon forgot all that was around me ; but 
God has opened my eyes again, and made 
my limbs to move obedient to my will. 
Lord, help me to remember that by-and-by 
my body must sleep in the grave, till the 
voice of Jesus shall wake me to enjoy a bet- 
ter life. How sweet it is to know that 
thou. O God, dost care for every one of us ; 
that thou wilt some time call us out of the 
world to be with thee in hoaven ! 



COMING TO THE KING. 43 

Make me obedient to thee, my heavenly 
Father, and to my earthly parents, and after 
this life receive my soul, for Jesus' sake. 
Amen. 

Evening. 

T\EAR Jesus ! thou art the Almighty Son 
*J of God, yet thou didst come down to 
our world and clothe thyself with flesh and 
blood ; thou didst suffer wicked men to nail 
thy blessed body to the cross ; thou didst 
permit them to pierce thy side, and to put 
a crown of thorns upon thy head. Oh ! 
what love it was in thee to die for such 
poor sinners as we are ! And yet, dear Je- 
sus, my heart is so hard that it does not love 
thee as it ought ; it is so wicked that it 
does not hate its sins ! I pray thee to take 
away this hard and stony heart and give me 
a heart full of gratitude and love to thee. 
To-day I have tried to please thee ; I know 
that what I have done has been only a poor 
return for thy love to me ; but I pray thee 



44 



COMING TO THE KING. 



to look with kindness upon me, and to ac- 
cept my desire to please thee. Bless me. 
while I rest in my bed ; let me awake in the 
morning as cheerful as the little birds, who 
sing thy praise. 

Dear Father in heaven, hear my prayer 
for Jesus' sake. Amen. 




COMING TO THE KINO. ' 45 



TWELFTH DA T. 

T\7E are soldiers doing battle, 
" Day by day, and hour by hour, 
Each one with his own temptations 
Striving in the Spirit's power ; 

Still that Spirit stronger groweth 
In the hearts that hold it fast ; 

He will help us, teach us, crown us, 
More than conquerors at the last. 

ANON. 

And God said, Ask what I shall give thee. I 
Kings iii. 5. 

Your Father knoweth what things ye have need 
of before ye ask him. Matt. vi. 8. 

But my God shall supply all your need accord- 
ing to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Phil, 
iv. 19. 

Let me hear thy voice. Cant. ii. 14. 

The way of the righteous is made plain. Prov., 
xv. 19. 



46 COMING TO THE KING. 

Morning. 

T\EAR heavenly Father, I know that I am 
^ graciously permitted to ask of thee 
those things which thou hast promised. 
Hast thou not said that thou wilt give 
wisdom to those who ask it of thee? I 
pray thee to teach me thy ways and show 
me the path of life. Hast thou not promised 
to give strength to those who wish to be 
good soldiers of the Lord Jesus Christ? I 
pray thee that love to our glorious leader, 
may make me bold and courageous in fight- 
ing against every sin. 

God, thou hast offered to us many pre- 
cious gifts, but especially do I beg of thee 
the Holy Spirit to dwell in my soul. Grant 
unto me these mercies for my dear Redeem- 
er's sake. Amen. 



o 



Evening. 

GOD, I thank thee that the sweet and 
holy religion which Jesus, the blessed 



COMING TO THE KING. 47 

Saviour, teaches, is so simple and plain that 
I can understand so much of its holy truth. 
I rejoice, God, that though thou art so in- 
finite and holy, I need not be afraid to kneel 
and speak to thee. How sweet the thought 
of thy love to us is ! We are happy and 
safe in thy tender care. Lord, to-night 
have mercy upon me and all whom I love ; 
bless the poor, and the sick, and all for whom 
we ought to pray. Oh let the happy time 
soon come when the whole world shall hear 
of Jesus, and love his dear name. Will 
God accept my worship and petitions for 
the dear Redeemer's sake. Amen. 




+ 8 COMING TO THE KINO. 



THIRTEENTH DA T. 

\\~HE could not know that God is love, 
" ' If left to nature's book alone ; 
The earth and sky could never prove 
That mercy sits upon the throne. 

We could not read the Saviour's name 
Upon the beams of morning light ; 

The star which shone when Jesus came 
Is faded from the vault of night. 

The Bible tells us how he died, 
That we might have eternal bliss ; 

Oh ! see his bleeding hands and side ! 
Was ever love so great as this ? 

He wrought a robe for us to wear 
Before Jehovah's glorious throne : 

Canst thou in nature tell me where 
This wondrous love of God is shown ? 

g. w. H. 

And that from a child thou hast known the 
■ holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise 



CCMING TO THE KING. 



49 



untx salvation through faith which is in Christ Je- 
sus. 2 Tim. iii. 15. 

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light 
unto my path. Ps. cxix. 105. 

The soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of 
David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 
1 Sam. xviii. 1. 



Morning. 

C\ GOD, thou hast again divided the light 
^ from the darkness, and given us an- 
other bright and cheerful day ; please to 
bless me as I bring to thee my morning 
prayer and offering of praise. 

Bless me as I read thy Holy word ; may 
it seem to me as the voice of God speaking 
to me. Lord, let the Holy Bible be like a 
heavenly guide very near to me, to keep me 
in the way which leads to eternal life. Ac- 
cept my thanks that I have been taught to 
read, so that I can open the holy book, and 
find the precious promises and the sweet 
5 



5° 



COMING TO THE KING. 



words of Jesus. Oh that it might bring the 
tears to my eyes, when I read how my dear 
Saviour was crucified for me ; how his head 
and hands and side were pierced, that his 
precious blood might flow to wash away my 
sins ! Oh help me to remember his love to- 
day, that I may strive to please him. - Heav- 
enly Father, hear my prayer, for Jesus' sake. 
Amen. 

Evening. 

C\ LORD, thy kind care has brought me to 
" the close of another day ; make me se- 
rious and solemn while I remember that one 
more day of my life is gone. Will God for 
Jesus' sake forgive every sin I have commit- 
ted since I rose this morning, and may all the 
sins of my life be washed away in the dear 
Redeemers blood. 

I have enjoyed to-day the care and love 
of tender friends. How shall I thank thee 
enough, dear heavenly Father, for those who 
love me so well and do so much for my good 



COMING TO THE KING. 51 

and happiness. I thank thee too for the 
love of my young companions ; may I be 
wise and careful in the selection of friends ; 
may I choose those who fear and love God, 
and may we help each other to grow daily 
more and more like the holy Jesus. God, 
may my friends here upon the earth be not 
only sweet and dear to me, but also true and 
faithful, that, in our heavenly home we may 
meet to love each other, and to enjoy a hap- 
py eternity. I ask it all for Jesus' sake 
Amen. 




5 2 COMING TO THE KING. 



FOURTEENTH DAY. 

THERE is a green hill far away, 
-* Without a city wall, 
"Where the dear Lord was crucified, 
Who died to save us all. 

We may not know, we cannot tell 

What pains he had to bear, 
But we believe it was for us 

He hung and suffered there. 

He died that we might be forgiven, 

He died to make us good ; 
That we might go at last to Heaven, 

Saved by his precious blood. 

C. F. H. 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his 
only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in 
him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 

For God sent not his Son into the world to 
condemn the world; but that the world through 
him might be saved. Jno. iii. 16, 17. 

If ye love me, keep my commandments. Jno. 
xiv. 15. 



COMING TO THE KING. 



53 



Morning. 



f\ GOD, I know that closing my eyes, and 
" kneeling upon my knees, and repeating 
words which I do not think about, is not 
praying unto thee. I know that if my heart 
does not desire the things I ask, that thou 
wilt not hear me ; and if I do not offer my 
prayer in the dear Redeemer's name, thou 
wilt not receive it. Please to teach me 
how to pray unto thee, for without thy favor 
and blessing I shall be poorer than the 
poorest being upon the earth. 

God, I beg of thee those things which 
I need for my body and my soul. I bow at 
thy feet and ask thee to do for me more 
and better than I can ask or think, for my 
blessed Saviour's sake. Amen. 



Evening. 

T\EAR Jesus, my precious Saviour, thou 
*J hast given thyself for mo and suffered 



54 COMING TO THE KING. 

the shameful death of the cross that I might 
be redeemed from all my sins, and be puri- 
fied by the Holy Spirit. 

I know, dear Jesus, that God, the holy 
Father, is ready and willing to hear thy 
prayer for me, and to receive' me to be hi? 
child. Oh help me to do good works ; may 
I strive to be holy, and wilt thou teach me 
to trust in thy merits for the mercy of God 
to my soul ! 

Dear Lord, forgive all my sinful thoughts 
and actions this day, and though I am so 
unworthy, continue thy goodness to me. 
Amen. 




COMING TO THE KINO. 5 ? 



FIFTEENTH DA T. 

THY home is with the humble, Lord ! 
•*■ The simplest are the best ; 
Thy lodging is in child-like hearts ; 
Thou makest there thy rest. 

Dear Comforter 1 Eternal Love ! 

If thou wilt stay with me, 
Of lowly thoughts and simple ways 

I'll build a house for thee. 

Who made this beating heart of mine 

But thou, my heavenly Guest ? 
Let no one have it, then, but thee, 

And let it be thy rest ! 

ANON 

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith. 
Eph. iii. 17. 

This people draweth nigh unto me with their 
mouth, and honoreth me with their lips ; but 
their heart is far from me. Matt. xv. 8. 

And let him that is athirst come. And whoso 



5& 



COMING TO THE KING. 



ever will, let him take the water of life freely. 
Rev. xxii. 17. 

Thou wilt show me the path of life : in thy 
presence is fullness of joy ; at thy right hand there 
are pleasures for evermore. Ps. xvi. 1 1. 



Morning. 

"MOST gracious and infinite Father! while 
^*- I am kneeling in thy holy presence, 
may I feel that I am indeed speaking to 
God ; may I pray with my heart as well 
as with my lips. Thou art not a God afar 
off, but thou art near, and canst see me and 
hear me as easily as my dear mother can, 
when I kneel by her side. 

Lord, remember me to-day, and put the 
Holy Spirit into my heart, that I may not 
forget thee. Bless my parents, my brothers 
and sisters, and every one dear to me. 
Bless the children I see around me, who do 
not fear God and do not love him. 

Lord Jesus, the Lamb of God, who 



COMING TO THE KING. 57 

taketh away the sins of the world, have 
mercy upon us all, and save our souls. 
Amen. 

Evening. 

"WITH joy, dear Jesus, I come to thee to- 
' ' night, to praise and thank thee for the 
happiness and pleasure thou hast given me 
this day. I have enjoyed thy goodness in 
every hour, and I desire to confess that 
there is nothing in me to merit such kind- 
ness from thee, the great and righteous God. 
But, Lord, though thou shouldst bestow 
upon me an infinite number of gifts and 
mercies, I should still be poor and needy 
without thy smile and love in my heart. 
And I am not satisfied without feeling thy 
love in my soul, for thy love seems to me to 
be the living water which thou hast offered 
to us to drink. Oh dear Father in heaven, 
though I am so young my heart is not con- 
tented with only the good things which thou 
hast given me to enjoy ; thy blessed Spirit 



5» 



COMING TO THE KINO. 



has taught me to thirst for the sweet river 
of thy pleasures. Grant unto me, I pray 
thee, thy love and presence in my heart, to 
be my chief happiness. I pray, Lord, for 
the thousands of poor and ignorant people 
who know nothing better than the pleasures 
of the body ; wiio never think of heaven, 
and know not the way to its joys. Oh, 
send down thy blessing upon all the world 
to-night. I ask it all for Jesus 7 sake. 
Amen. 




COMING TO THE KING, ?9 



SIXTEENTH DA T. 

pHILD of Mary, thou dost know, 
^ What of danger, joy, or woe, 
Shall to-day my portion be, 
Let me meet it all in thee. 

Thou wast meek and undefiled, 
Make me holy too, and mild ; 
Thou didst foil the tempter's power, 
Help me in temptation's hour. 

Thou didst love thy mother here, 
Make me gentle, kind, and dear ; 
Thou wast subject to her word, 
Teach me to obey, O Lord ! 

Fretful feelings, passion, pride, 
Never did with thee abide : 
Make me watch myself to-day, 
That they lead me not astray. 

c. f. h. 

I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the 
Lord sustained me. Ps. iii. 5. 

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our 
righteousnesses are as filthy rags. Is. lxiv. 6. 



So COMING TO THE KING. 

Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and 
cleanse me from my sin. Ps. li. 2. 

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed 
in white .raiment ; and I will not blot out his 
name out of the book of life, but I will confess 
his name before my Father, and before his angels. 
Rev. iii. 5. 

Morning. 

f jl'HANK thee, God, that I am again 
-*- permitted to rise from my bed, and pre- 
pare myself for the pleasant duties and en- 
joyments of a new day. While I am dress- 
ing I would remember the holy word which 
says, " Let thy garments be always white/' 
Oh that to-day no spot of sin might be 
found upon my soul. Lord, keep my con- 
science pure, and my heart undefiled ; let 
not hypocrisy, nor envy, nor selfishness, nor 
vanity, nor any other sin, pollute my soul. 
Let not the seeds and roots of sin in me 
bear fruit to offend thee, and destroy my 
own happiness. God, do not let me set 



COMING TO THE KING. 6 1 

a wicked and dangerous example to my 
playmates and friends, but purify and bless, 
and save me. Wash my soul in Jesus 7 
blood, and keep it white by thy grace. 
May I deny myself every evil indulgence, 
and do thou, dear Saviour, make me watch- 
ful against every temptation. Lord, hear 
my prayer for Jesus 7 sake. Amen. 



Evening. 

T\EAR Jesus, draw me close to thy side 
to-night, and make me feel that thou 
art listening to my prayer. Thou art my 
best and kindest friend ; when I hear thy 
name my heart is full of praise and joy. 
Lord, my blessed Saviour, wilt thou not 
take care of me all the years of my life ? 
Wilt thou not deliver me from every danger 
by thy strong arm ? I trust in thee to save 
me from all that can harm me ; but above 
all, from sin. I am too weak and ignorant 
to take care of myself ; I pray thee to do 
6 



62 COMING TO THE KINO. 

all things for me, and at last to lead me 
into the heavenly home. Dear Jesus, how 
holy and happy are the blessed spirits who 
live with thee ! We, who are in this world, 
are like children far away from our Father's 
house ; please to take me into thy care, and 
keep me from wandering out of the path 
that leads to thee. Have mercy upon the 
children who live in ignorance, and know 
nothing of thy love. Bless the missionaries 
who preach the gospel to the heathen. 
Lord, have mercy upon me, and upon all for 
whom I should pray. I ask it all for Jesus' 
sake. Amen. 




COMING TO THE KING 6% 



SEVENTEENTH DA Y. 

THE Saviour bids us watch and pray, 
"^ Through life's brief fleeting hour, 
And gives the Spirit's quickening ray- 
To those who seek its power. 

The Saviour bids us watch and pray, 

For soon the hour will come, 
That calls us from the earth away, 

To our eternal home. 

Saviour, we would watch and pray, 

And hear thy sacred voice ; 
And walk as thou hast marked the way, 

To heaven's eternal joys. 

HASTINGS 

Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nether have 
entered into the heart of man, the things which 
God hath prepared for them that love him. 1 
Cor. ii. 9. 

If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, 
from doing thy pleasure on my holy day ; and 
call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lordj 



64 COMING TO THE KING. 

honorable ; and shalt honor him, not doing thine 
own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor 
speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou de- 
ght thyself in the Lord. Is. lviii. 13, 14. 

Morning. 

"TvEAR Jesus, wilt thou not teach me when 
^ I read thy Holy Bible to take the sweet 
words into my heart. Thou canst make me 
feel that the precious promises are for me 
though I am so young. Hast thou not said 
that when we call upon thee thou wilt hear ? 
Please to hear me this morning, and help me 
to understand thy holy book ; may I read 
in it with reverence and gratitude. 

When I go to the house of God upon the 
Sabbath, may the light of thy truth shine 
upon my mind and heart ; may the Holy 
Spirit give to me my portion of the heavenly 
bread. May the Sabbath be the sweetest 
day of all the week to me ; let me never be 
guilty of breaking thy command to keep it 
holv. 



COMING TO THE KINO. 65 

Lord, bless me in the Sabbath-school ; 
help me to study the lessons, and to remem- 
ber my teacher's instructions. Prepare me 
to sing thy praise in heaven with all who 
love thee there. I ask it for Jesus' sake. 
Amen. 

Evening. 

T\EAR heavenly Father! all my life has 
*J been happy under thy protecting wing ; 
thou hast shielded me from the dangers of 
another day and given me many blessings 
to enjoy. I thank thee for my home, my 
friends, and for my daily bread. Thou 
hast given these gifts of thy mercy to 
rae, because the blessed Saviour lived and 
died to obtain thy compassion and pity for 
us who are so unworthy of thy goodness. 
But, dear Lord, thy love to my soul is 
greater than these mercies to my poor body; 
I will praise thee as long as I live for the 
gift of thy dear Son, I will bless thee when 
I lie down, and when I rise up, because he 
6* 



66 COMING TO THE KING. 

came into the world to save lost sinners. 
With a penitent heart I ask thy forgiveness 
of all my sins. 

God, spare my life through the night, 
I pray thee ; bless my dear parents and all 
my friends, and all for whom I ought to 
pray, for Jesus' sake. Amen. 




COMING TO THE KINO. 67 



EIGHTEENTH HA Y. 

IT AST thou invited me to come, 

Dear Saviour, to thy loving breast ? 
Within thy he,art can there be room, 
For such a young a d sinful guest ? 

Gladly I seek thy smiling face ; 

Thy invitation I accept ; 
Led by the kindness of thy grace 

Let me in paths of life be kept. g. w. h. 

But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid 
them not, to come unto me ; for of such is the 
kingdom of heaven. Matt. xix. 14. 

He shall feed his flock like a Shepherd ; he 
shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry 
them in his bosom. Is. xl. 11. 



Morning. 

pREAT God, I look up to thee, and hum- 
^ bly ask thee to bend thine ear to my 
prayer, and to permit me to come near to 
thee through Jesus Christ, my Saviour. 



68 COMING TO THE KING. 

Before I open thy word to read its sacred 
truths I would ask for the presence and help 
of the Holy Spirit. I know that I may 
search the Scriptures every day, and re- 
ceive no good to my soul, unless the Spirit 
makes me to see the beauty of Jesus as hi? 
glory shines on every page. And I know 
that in my blindness and ignorance I shall 
never see how much I need a Saviour, if the 
Holy Spirit does not show to me my sins 
and my danger of eternal punishment. I 
love the Bible, because it unfolds to me the 
wonderful love of the dear Redeemer ! 
God, I beseech of thee, let the Holy Spirit 
enter into my heart and make it a pure and 
holy place for the blessed Jesus to dwell in ; 
may thy word show me the way in which I 
should go, and may the influence of the Spirit 
make me to walk in it. 

Lord, strengthen my memory, that I 
may keep this precious word in my heart, 
that I may not sin against thee. I ask it 
all for Jesus' sake. Amen. 



COMING TO THE KING. 69 

Evening. 

A LMIGHTY God, thy goodness lias fol- 
•^ lowed me through the hours of another 
day ; the same tenderness and pity which 
feeds the little birds has provided for all my 
wants. I lift my heart to thee to thank 
thee for such constant love and care. Thou 
art never weary of doing us good, though 
we grow so soon tired of keeping thy com- 
mandments. 

Thou art kind and good to all ; thou 
art full of love. Lord, if I have shown a 
selfish or ungenerous spirit to-day, I pray 
thee to forgive it ; if I have been stubborn 
or disobedient ; if I have forgotten the holy 
3xample of Jesus, when he was a child sub- 
ject to his parents ; I pray to be forgiven 
for his sake. Take me into thine arms to- 
night, dear Father in heaven, and bless me. 
Oh, put the Holy Spirit into my heart ; 
make me more and more like Jesus ! 
God, hear my prayer for the dear Redeem- 
er's sake. Amen. 



7C COMING TO THE KING. 



NINETEENTH DA Y. 

A S with gladness men of old 

Did the guiding-star behold ; 
As with joy they hailed its light, 
Leading onward, beaming bright ; 
So, most gracious God, may we 
Evermore be led by thee. 

As with joyful steps they sped 
To that lowly manger-bed ; 
There to bend the knee before 
Him whom heaven and earth adore ; 
So may we with willing feet 
Ever seek thy mercy-seat. 

Holy Jesus I every day 
Keep us in the narrow way ; 
And, when earthly things are past 
Bring our ransomed souls at last 
Where they need no star to guide, 
Where no clouds thy glory hide. 

w. c. DIX. 

And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, 



COMING TO THE KING. 



71 



in that day when I make up my jewels. Mai. iii. 

17. 

Ye are bought with a price. 1 Cor. vii. 23. 

For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right 

hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help 

thee. Is. xli. 13. 

Morning. 

f\ LORD, may I believe that I am one of 
" thy jewels ? Is my soul like a precious 
gem in thy sight ? I would praise thee for 
thy love ! Help me to remember the price 
which Jesus paid that my soul might belong 
to him ! God, I rejoice to know that 
thou wilt take care of me and keep me by 
thy power, and at last set me as a shining 
gem in Jesus' crown. 

This day may I often think of what the 
dear Saviour has done for me ; help me to 
tell my playmates and friends how sweet it 
is to feel the love of Jesus in my heart ; may 
they learn from me to love him too, and to 
do the things which please him. Dear heav- 



72 



COMING TO THE KING. 



enly Father, make me more lovely and holy 
that I may shine like one of thy jewels here 
in this world. I ask it all for my Saviour's 
sake-. Amen. 

.Evening. 

TVEAR Father in heaven, I kneel before 
" thy glorious throne to-night to receive 
thy blessing. Thou hast seen my efforts to- 
day to please thee ; thou hast helped me to 
resist some of my temptations. I thank thee 
that I am not left with only my own strength 
and wishes to do right, for I could not take 
a step in the right way if thou shouldst leave 
me to myself. Dear Jesus, hold my hand, I 
pray, and be my gracious guide and helper* 
Pardon all my sins through the past day, 
and put thy merciful arms around me to- 
night. God, hear me for my Saviour's 
sake. Amen. 



COMING TO THE KING. 73 



"WENTIETH DA T. 

Q WELL the anthem, raise the song : 
^ Praises to our God belong ; 
Saints and angels ! join to sing 
Praises to the heavenly king. 
Blessings from his liberal hand 
Flow around this happy land : 
Kept by him, no foes annoy ; 
Peace and freedom we enjoy. 

Here beneath a virtuous sway, 
May we cheerfully obey ; 
Never feel oppression's rod, 
Ever own and worship God. 
Hark ! the voice of nature sings 
Praises to the King of kings ; 
Let us join the choral song, 
And the grateful notes prolong. 

ANON. 

The fear of man bringeth a snare. Prov. xxix. 

The fear of the Lord is to hate evil. Prov. 
vii\. 13. 

7 



74 



COMING TO THE KING, 



Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil 
Ex. xxiii. 2. 

The just upright man is laughed to scorn. Job 
xii. 4. 

For God is the King of all the earth. Ps. 
xlvii. 7. 

And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall 
lie down, and none shall make you afraid. Lev. 
xxvi. 6. 

Morning. 

A LMIGHTY God, thou art the King of 
■^*- kings, and the Lord of the whole earth ! 
Thy great kindness has given me my home 
in this favored land, where thy Sabbaths 
are loved and thy word is preached. Our 
lives and our homes are protected by our 
Government and rulers. Lord, I pray for 
my country ; that our laws may be just, 
protecting the good, and punishing wrong- 
doers. Bless all our people with happiness 
and peace. Forgive our enemies, and may 
the law of love rule our hearts. Save us, 



COMING TO THE KING. 



75 



dear Father in heaven, from pestilence and 
famine ; provide for the poor and needy ; 
and deliver us all from the evil we deserve. 
Teach all men everywhere to worship thee, 
and to live in thy fear. 

Almighty God, hear my prayer for my 
native land ; may I ever be loyal and patri- 
otic, and may I appreciate the mercy of 
God, which has surrounded me with such 
advantages and protection. 

I offer these petitions unto thee, God. 
in the dear Redeemer's name. Amen. 



Evening. 

A LORD, I come to thee at the close of 
^ this day, to thank thee for all the lov- 
ing kindness thou hast shewn me. 

I thank thee, God, for tLe grace of the 
Holy Spirit, which makes me desire to give 
thee my heart, and to obey thee. Some of 
my companions would tempt me to cast off 
the fear of God, and to yield to sinful pleas- 



76 COMING TO THE KING. 

ures. Oh, my dear heavenly Father ! thou 
knowest how weak I am, and how wicked 
my heart is ! Do not let me be afraid ot 
ridicule ; do not let me be ashamed of show- 
ing my fear of sin, and my love to the dear 
Saviour ! Lord, forgive me, I pray thee, 
if to-day I have followed others to do that 
which I knew was wrong. Oh, give me a 
tender conscience at all times, and give me 
courage to try to do right. 

Please to protect me and all my friends 
this night, and accept my prayer for Jesus' 
sake. Amen. 




COMING TO THE KING. 77 



TWENTY -FIRST DAY. 

THERE'S not a leaf within the bower; 
•^ There's not a bird upon the tree ; 
There's not a dew-drop on the flower ; 
But bears the impress, Lord, of thee. 

Thy hand the varied leaf designed, 
And gave the bird its thrilling tone : 

Thy power the dew-drop's tints combined, 
Till like the diamond's blaze they shone. 

Yes, dew-drops, leaves, and buds, and all, 
The smallest, like the greatest, things ; 

The sea's vast space, the earth's wide ball, 
Alike proclaim thee King of kings. 

MRS. OPIE. 

Honor thy father and thy mother. Ex. xx. 1 2. 

Let them learn first to show piety at home, and 
to requite their parents : for that is good and ac- 
ceptable before God. 1 Tim. v. 4. 

Behold what manner of love the Father hath 
bestowed upon us, that we should be called the 
sons of God ! 1 J no. iii. 1. 
7 * 



78 COMING TO THE KING. 

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear chil 
dren. Eph. v. I. 

Morning. 

A GAIN do I thank thee, God, for the 
-*-*■ cheerful light, which makes every crea- 
ture happy. Thou hast added yet another 
day to my life. Oh, how merciful, dear 
heavenly Father, hast thou been to me ever 
since I was born ! I see thy mercy and 
goodness in the pleasant sunshine, in the 
air I breathe, and in all the beautiful things 
of the earth around me. Lord, every thing 
in creation obeys thee, and shows thy loving 
kindness. God, help me to obey thee, too ; 
help me to-day to do the very best I can ; 
may I be careful to regard my parents' 
wishes in the smallest things. 

Please to hear my prayers for all my 
friends and companions may we all love 
and obey the dear Saviour, who died that 
we might be saved. For his sake, hear my 
prayer. Amen. 



COMING TO THE KING. 7g 

Evening. 

T\EAR Jesus, thou art the blessed Saviour, 
*J who didst come down from the skies to 
save our lost world ; many happy men, and 
women, and children, saw thy face and 
touched thy hand. It made them sad to see 
thee leave the earth and go back into 
heaven. 

I wish that my eyes could see thy gracious 
smile, when I come to seek thee. I wish I 
could feel thy gentle hand upon my head, 
while I feel in my heart that I have found 
thee. For I know thou art near to me — • 
that I may always find thee ready to listen 
to my prayers. Nothing in the world can 
make me so happy as thy love ; thy mercies 
to me are more in number than the drops of 
dew, but I pray thee let thy smile be to me 
the sweetest of all thy blessings. Help me 
every day to feel that I am only a little pil- 
grim travelling to that happy home where I 
shall see and be with thee for ever. Amen, 



8o COMING TO THE KIN it. 



TWENTY-SECOND DAY 

VOTING and happy while thou art, 

Not a furrow on thy brow, 
Not a sorrow in thy heart, 

Seek the Lord, thy Saviour, now. 
In its freshness bring the flower, 

While the dew upon it lies ; 
In the cool and cloudless hour 

Of the morning sacrifice. 

Life will have its evil years, 

When its skies are overcast ; 
All the present thronged with fear? 

And wilii vain regrets the past : 
Let him tremble, who his heart 

In an hour like that would bring, 
Lest Jehovah say, " Depart ! 

"lis a worn and worthless thing." 

ANON. 

Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy 
youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years 
draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure 
in them. Eccl. xii. I. 



COMING TO THE KING. 8, 

Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My 
Father, thou art the guide of my youth ? Jer. iii. 4. 

I love them that love me ; and those that seek 
rne early shall find me. Prov. viii. 17. 

Morning. 

TTOW good hast thou been to me, my 
heavenly Father ! How sweetly and 
safely have I slept under the shadow of thy 
wings ! I pray thee to accept my thanks- 
givings for all thy goodness. To-day, 
Lord, help me to try more than ever to 
please thee. As the little birds beat their 
wings and try to fly, so I would make every 
effort that I can to do the things I ought to 
do, and to be a Christian child. Keep me, 
I pray thee, from growing weary in well-do- 
ing. I thank thee that children have a place 
in thy kingdom, and that we may ask thee^ 
for thy grace to help us. May I keep close 
to the Saviour ; let me never wander away 
from his hand, and grieve him by my diso- 
bedience. Help me to make my parents 



$2 COMING TO THE KINO. 

happy to-day by my constant regard to their 
wishes. Oh that I could spend one day 
without sin. Lord, lead me not into temp- 
tation, but deliver me from evil, for Jesus' 
sake, Amen. 

^Evening. 

A GOD, how great is thy love and pity 
^ toward us ! how great was thy mercy 
in sending thy dear Son to redeem us ! I 
would give thee the best love of my heart ; 
please to help me to trust the Lord Jesus as 
my Saviour. 

Have mercy, dear Jesus, upon the poor 
and friendless little children, who know so 
little of thee. Oh send some one to tell 
them of thy love to us ; send some kind 
friends to do them good ; make me willing 
and glad to deny myself, to give them a 
share in the blessings which thou hast given 
xne. Dear heavenly Father, forgive all my 
ingratitude for thy great mercies and bless 
me still for Jesus' sake. Amen. 



COMING TO THE KINO. 



TWENTY-THIRD DA Y. 

ISa bird in meadows fair 

Or in lonely forest sings 
Till it fills the summer air, 

And the greenwood sweetly rings, 
So my heart to thee would raise, 
O my God, its song of praise 
That the gloom of night is o'er 
And I see the sun once more. 

If thou, Sun of Love, arise, 
All my heart with joy is stirred, 
And to greet thee upward flies, 

Gladsome as yon little bird. 
Shine thou in me clear and bright 
Till I learn to praise thee right, 
Guide me in the narrow way, 
Let me ne'er in darkness stray. 

Bless to-day whatc'er I do, 

Bless whate'cr I have and love ; 

From the paths of virtue true 
Let me never, never rove ; 



84 COMING TO THE KING. 

By thy Spirit strengthen me 
In the faith that leads to thee, 
Then an heir of life on high 
Fearless I may live and die. 

ANON. 

, I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep 
for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety. 
Ps. iv. 8. 

Who redeemeth thy life from destruction ; who 
crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender 
mercies. Fs. ciii. 4. 

My son, give me thine heart. Prov. xxiii. 26. 

Love not the world, neither the things that are 
in the world. 1 Jno. ii. 15. 



Morning. 

rpHE dreary night has gone, and the bright 
-*- and pleasant sun shines down again 
upon the earth. I rise to praise thee, my 
heavenly Father, for the merciful care which 
thou hast taken of me while I slept. Thou 
dost know what dangers and pleasures are 



COMING TO THE KING. 85 

before me to-day ; I pray thee make me 
watchful that no fretful feelings or wicked 
passions .nay lead me into sin. Keep me in 
the fear of God and from every sinful action. 
Do not let me speak an angry or unholy 
word ; make me gentle and pure ; and all 
through the day, even in my play, help me 
to remember that I offered my heart to God 
this morning, and asked him to make it holy. 
O Lord, hear my prayer, for the dear Re- 
deemer's sake. Amen. 



Evening. 

"HEAR Saviour, I come to thee to-night, to 
** thank thee for thy gracious love and 
care. I am not worthy to receive any of 
thy mercies ; I can .only bring to thee a 
grateful heart and ask thee to fill it with 
love to thyself. 

I have this day heard thy voice calling to 
me, and I have felt thee knocking gently at 
the door of my wicked heart. Oh help me 
8 



86 COMING TO THE KING. 

to open the door and to welcome thee as my 
best and dearest friend. Dear Saviour, 
please to keep my soul a pure and holy home 
for thee to dwell in. 

God, wash my soul in the blood of the 
Lamb, and clothe me with the garments of 
his righteousness. Help me to learn the 
new song of praise to Jesus which is sung in 
heaven ; that when I die I may be ready to 
take my harp and join the happy spirits whc 
sing around his throne. 

Let thy mercy protect me and all my 
friends this night, and grant that we maj 
wake to love and please thee better. Amen 




COMING TO THE KING. 87 



TWENTY-FO UETH DA Y. 

T7E0M thy flock, a straying lamb, 
■*■ Tender Shepherd, though I am ; 
Now, upon the mountain cold, 
Lost, I long to gain the fold, 
And within thine arms to be : 
Jesus, Saviour, pity me ! anon. 

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, 
and they follow me : 

And 1 give unto them eternal life ; and they 
shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck 
them out of my hand. Jno. x. 27, 28. 

I will seek that which was lost, and bring again 
that which was driven away, and will bind up 
that which was broksn, and will strengthen that 
which was sick. Ezek. xxxiv. 16. 



Morning. 

A HOLY and gracious Spirit! come into 
v my heart, I praj r thee, and keep me 



88 COMING TO THE RING. 

wholly under thy sweet and holy influence. 
I beseech thee to renew and sanctify my un- 
holy heart ; instruct my mind, and control 
my selfish will. 

Oh show me the wickedness of my nature ; 
make me sensible of the eternal danger to 
which I am exposed, if Jesus Christ be not 
my friend and Saviour. 

Cause me to see the loveliness of the 
character of the dear Redeemer, that I may 
love him with all my heart, and rejoice to 
serve him with all my powers. 

Shed abroad the love of God in my heart, 
and in sweetest mercy give me the joy of 
knowing and feeling the love of Jesus to my 
soul. 

blessed Spirit! be in my heart the 
spirit of all grace, and make my soul an 
humble dwelling for the Lord. 

And unto the Father, and to the Son, and 
to the Holy Spirit, will I give eternal praise 
and worship. Amen. 



COMING TO THE KING. 89 

Evening. 

OTHOU holy Son of God ! thou art the 
kind and tender Shepherd, who didst 
leave thy glory in heaven to seek and to 
save the lost. 

I am one of the foolish and wicked sheep 
who have wandered away from the paths of 
happiness and peace. Wilt thou, dear Sa- 
viour, seek after one so young as I ? Dear 
Jesus, wilt thou miss me from thy flock ? 
Lord, I am afraid to be far away from thee ; 
please to call my soul from every wicked 
way, and' hold me up while I follow after 
thee. Help me to tell others how sweet it 
is to be loved by thee, that they may love 
thee too. Amen. 




8* 



po COMING TO THE KINO. 



TWENTY-FIFTH DA Y. 

THAT little babe in Bethlehem, 
■*- Upon its mother's knee, 
Created all the mighty worlds 
Which o'er my head I see. 

And this sweet earth I walk upon, 
Was made so bright and fair 

By Jesus Christ, the Son of God, 
Who lies an infant there. 

IIow could he leave his home on high, 

To take that manger-bed ? 
The angels long to spread their wings 

Beneath his sacred head. 

O Jesus ! make my spirit like 

Thine infant heart so meek ; 
And shut my eyes to earthly good, 

While things above I seek. g. w. h. 

And they came with haste, and found Marji 
and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger, 
Luke ii. 16. 



COMING TO THE KING. 



9* 



All things were made by him ; and without him 
was not any thing made that was made. Jno. i. 3. 

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he be- 
came poor, that ye through his poverty might be 
rich. 2 Cor. viii. 9. 

And on his head were many crowns. Rev. 
xix. 12. 

Morning. 

THIS morning, dear heavenly Father, 1 
-*■ feel in my heart a wish to love thee 
more, and to please thee more perfectly. 
To-day let me do something for thee ; let 
me gain some little victory over my wrong 
desires. When the sun sets, may I be able 
to bring to thee a thankful and happy heart. 
Help me to do the best I can ; help me to 
do all the good I can, and graciously give 
me the Holy Spirit to make me what I 
ought to be. Lord, let me not mock thee 
with prayers which I forget as soon as I rise 
from my knees. Let me not be like the 



9 2 



COMING TO THE KING. 



fig-tree which bore no pleasant fruit for the 
Saviour, but may my soul be full of the fruits 
of the Spirit. I ask it all for Jesus 7 sake. 
Amen. 



Evening. 

"DLESSED Saviour! before the heavens and 
D the earth were created, and before the 
sea was made, thou didst sit at the right 
hand of God and wear a crown of glory. 
I wonder when I read of thee as a little 
babe born in a manger. All that the world 
contains is thine, and yet thou hadst no 
pleasant home to dwell in, and no place 
where to lay thy head. 

O Lord, make me grateful for all thou 
hast endured to do us good. Never let me 
complain or be impatient, though I should 
suffer much. Have mercy upon me, and 
bring me at last to heaven, where I shall see 
thee again upon thy throne, with the many 
crowns upon thy head. Amen. 



COMING TO THE KING. 



9? 



TWENTY-SIXTH DAY. 

THE bird that soars on highest wing, 

Builds on the ground her lowly nest ; 
And she that doth most sweetly sing, 

Sings in the shade when all things rest : 
— In lark and nightingale we see 
What honor hath humility. 

When Mary chose " the better part," 

She meekly sat at Jesus feet ; 
And Lydia's gently opened heart 

Was made for God's own temple meet : 
— Fairest and best adorned is she, 
Whose clothing is humility. 

MONTGOMERY. 

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me ; for 
[ am meek and lowly in heart. Matt. xi. 29. 
^ God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto 
the humble. Jam. iv. 6. 

For thus saith the high and lofty One that in- 
habiteth eternity, whose name is Holy ; I dwell in 
the high and holy place, with him also that is of 



94 



COMING TO THE KING. 



a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of 
the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite 
ones. Is. lvii. 15. 

Your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. 
; 1 Jno. ii. 12. 

Morning. 

TNTO thee, Lord, do I again bring my 
^ worship and praise ; unto thee do I 
come with a new song of thanksgiving ; for 
thou hast preserved me through another 
night, and brought me to see the light of 
another day. Wilt thou not help me this 
day to live to thy praise? Amnng my 
brothers and sisters may I be the one willing 
to yield for the happiness of all ; may I be 
slow to find fault with their conduct, while 
I keep a careful watch on my own ; may I 
study to please and assist them and may we 
live together in love. 

Lord, may I be a good and obedient 
child to my parents, and may I be respect- 
ful and courteous to all persons. May I 






COMING TO THE KING. 



95 



never forget to reverence and honor the old ; 
and do thou give me a heart full of pity and 
sympathy for all who are infirm or in dis- 
tress. Let me not think that I am too young 
to try to comfort and relieve them. 

Let me not think that my time is of no 
importance, but may I use it wisely ; and 
let not my conversation be idle and foolish. 
Lord, help me to day. for Jesus' sake. 
Amen. 

Evening. 

C\ LORD, to-night I feel that my prayers 
^ can hardly reach thine ear. My eyes 
can see only my ungrateful and wicked sins ; 
and thy dear smile seems no more to rest 
upon me. Oh, my dear Saviour ! thou art 
not less kind and merciful, but I am wholly 
to blame for my unhappiness because I 
have wandered away from thee. Oh ! draw 
near to me though I am so unworthy., Have 
pity upon me even in my sins, and pardon 
me in mercy. 



9 6 COMING TO THE KING. 

I pray for any poor child in all the world 
who has forgotten thy voice to-day ; who 
has fallen into sins through neglect of prayer. 
Before they sleep to-night do thou gently 
and kindly speak to their hearts, and again 
fill them with thy love. 

Graciously pray for us, dear Jesus, that 
we may be kept in the future from grieving 
the Holy Spirit away from our hearts. Lord, 
save me from every danger this night ; bless 
my dear friends, and hear my prayer for thy 
pardon and love, for Jesus' sake. Amen. 




COMING TO THE KING. 



97 



TWENTY-SEVENTH DA T. 

T'M not too young for God to see, 

He knows my name and nature too ; 
And all day long he looks at me, 

And sees my actions through and through. 

He listens to the words I say, 

He knows the thoughts I have within ; 

And whether I'm at work or play, 
He's sure to see it if I sin. 

If some one great and good is near, 
It makes us careful what we do ; 

And how much more we ought to fear 

The Lord who sees us through and through, 

Thus when inclined to do amiss, 

However pleasant it may be ; 
I'll always try to think of this, 

I'm not too young for God to see. anon. 

When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid ; 
yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be 
iweet. Prov. in. 24. 
9 



93 COMING TO THE KING. 

Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it 
is for the eyes to behold the sun. EccL xi. 7. 

Search me, O God, and know my heart; tr) 
me, and know my thoughts ; and see if there be 
any wicked way in me, and ]ead me in the way 
everlasting. Ps. cxxxix. 23, 24. 



Morning. 

A GOD, thou hast waked me from my 
^ sleep, and given me again the power to 
rise from my bed ; thou dost permit me once 
more to see the faces of my friends, and to 
look at the beautiful sky above me, and the 
trees and flowers upon the earth. I can 
hear the voices of those I love, and the sing- 
ing of the birds. Dear heavenly Father, 
accept my thanks, this morning, that I am 
alive to enjoy these sweet pleasures. Help 
me to enjoy this new day with a thankful 
heart. May I try to make our home happy ; 
let no hour find me idle, or engaged in any 
binful amusement, but make me always a 



DOMING TO THE KING. 



99 



Christian child, even in my play. May I 
try to do all the good I can, that I may 
grow more and more like the lovely angels, 
who come down to this world on errands of 
love and kindness. God, pardon all my 
sins, I pray thee, and receive my prayer for 
Jesus T sake. Amen. 



Evening. 

A LMIGHTY God ! the day and the night 
■*■•*■ are both alike to thee ; thou seest me 
always, for thine eye is never closed ; thy 
mercy keeps me in safety, when I wake and 
when I sleep ! Help me to remember that 
thine eye is ever upon me, to know what I 
do or think. Let it be a pleasant thought 
to me, that thou canst look into my heart, 
and see my desire to please thee. May love 
to Jesus be always prompting me to do all 
the good I can ; may it make me brave 
and patient in trying to conquer my selfish 
wishes. 



lOO COMING TO THE KING. 

I will remember how he wore the thorny 
crown for me, and I will try not to grieve 
him any more by my sins. I will remember 
all he endured to merit for us a place in 
heaven. God, teach me my dependence 
upon Jesus for eternal happiness. May I 
be taught by thy grace to understand what 
it means when I read that the Son of God 
came to save the lost. Oh ! may this gra- 
cious friend of sinners be my Saviour, and 
may my whole life be spent in his service 
and to his praise. Dear Father in heaven, 
watch over me while I sleep this night, 
and hear my prayer for Jesus' sake. Amen. 







COMING TO THE KING. 101 



TWENTY-EIGHTH HAY. 

TESUS ! thy gracious word 
^ Believed each aching breast ; 
With sweetest accents ever heard 
It soothed all griefs to rest. 

With power that voice so sweet 
Dispelled each angry thought ; 

It drew lost sinners to thy feet, 
And healing wonders wrought. 

Oh make me ever kind, 

And pitiful and true ; 
Give me thy meek and lowly mind 

To govern all I do. a. w. h. 

For we shall all stand before the judgment-seat 
01 Christ. Rom. xiv. 10. 

Thou makest darkness, and it is night. Ps. 
civ. 20. 

What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. 
Ps. lvi. 3. 

What is our sin that we have committed against 
the Lord our God ? Jer. xvi. 10. 
9* 






102 COMING TO THE KING. 

Morning. 

ITEAVENLY Father! by thy goodness I 
•^ have been spared to see another day; 
Oh make me to remember that my life is 
not all to be spent here upon the earth ; let 
me never forget that there is a future and 
eternal life which my soul shall spend with 
the good and happy around thy throne, or 
with those miserable beings who do not love 
thee. Teach me to understand that thou 
art my Judge, and that I shall receive the 
sweet rewards promised to those who love 
thee, or be sent away from thy presence if I 
have never asked the Lord Jesus to forgive 
my sins. 

I pray thee let no sin this day defile my 
soul and bring sorrow into my heart. Bless 
and keep me and all my friends ; make us 
happy in thy goodness to us. Please to 
come, dear Jesus, and be near us night and 
day, and fit us to live for ever in the home 
which thou hast prepared for us in heaven. 
Amen. 



COMING TO THE KING. 



103 



Evening. 

HPHE pleasant light of day is gone : and 
-*- the darkness covers the earth with 
gloom ! I am not afraid to be alone, for 
God is everywhere, and he is ray dear 
Father, able and willing to take care of me. 

God, thou hast watched me through 
this day ; I remember special acts of sin fo.7 
which I pray to be forgiven. A temptation 
which I did not expect caused me to offend 
God. Oh ! help me to meet temptations, 
that I may not yield to them. Give me 
penitence for the sins which I daily commit ; 
to which I am so constantly inclined. Make 
me to see all my faults, which have become 
wicked habits. Let me not think that the 
sins I so often repeat are of but little con- 
sequence in thy sight. But give me true 
repentance for every sin, and save my soul 
through Jesus Christ. 

Lord, bless us all this night, and hear 
my prayer, for the Redeemer's sake. Amen. 



104 



COMING TO THE KMU. 



TWENTY-NINTH DAY. 

AH that mine eye might closed be, 

^ To what becomes me not to see ; 

That deafness might possess mine ear, 

To what concerns me not to hear ; 

That truth my tongue might always tie, 

From ever speaking foolishly ! 

That no yain thought might ever rest, 

Or be conceived within my breast ; 

That by each word, each deed, each thought, 

Glory may to my God be brought ; 

But what are wishes ? Lord, mine eye 

On thee is fixed ; to thee I cry, 

Oh, purge out all my dross, my sin, 

Make me more white than snow within ; 

Wash, Lord, and purify my heart, 

And make it clean in every part ; 

And when 'tis clean, Lord, keep it so, 

For that is more than I can do. 

ELWOOD. 

I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes 
Ps, ci. 3. 



COMING TO THE KING. 



105 



Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but 
Jiey that deal truly are his delight. Prov. xii. 22. 

I hate vain thoughts : but thy law do I love. 
Ps. cxix. 113. 

Let your light so shine before men, that they 
may see your good works, and glorify your Father 
which is in heaven. Matt. v. 16. 

Create in me a clean heart, O God ; and renew 
a right spirit within me. Ps. li. 1 o. 

Morning. 

TvEAR Jesus, my merciful Saviour, I have 
^ often promised thee that I would try to 
be a better child ; I have confessed many 
sins to thee, and asked thy forgiveness ; but, 
after all my promises and sorrow, I have re- 
peated the wickedness which has grieved 
thee. And now I am ashamed to lift my 
eyes to thy face while my heart is so full of 
sin. I cannot make my vile heart clean in 
thy sight; and if I bring another promise 
to do only that which is good, I know that 
I shall not be able to keep it. 






I0 6 COMING TO THE KING. 

Oh! dear Jesus, take my sinful desires 
away ; let me feel thee within my poor 
heart resisting the devil for me. Be thou 
my strength, for I am weak and unable to 
do the things I wish. Conquer for me all 
my evil habits, and make me watchful and 
sincere. 

Lord, deliver me from temptation and 
from confidence in myself, and increase my 
faith in thee, as my friend and Saviour. 
Amen. 

Evening. 

A GOD, before I lie down to sleep, I would 
^ kneel at tby feet with gratitude and 
praise for all thy kindness to me. I praise 
thee that I have been taught to know some- 
thing of thee, my glorious Creator and con- 
stant benefactor. I thank thee that my, 
friends have taught me to think of the value 
of my never-dying soul, and told me of the 
future world. 

May I think how swiftly the days pass 



COMING TO THE KINO. J0 y 

away, and how soon the time in which I 
must make my preparation for eternity will 
be gone. God, please to cleanse me from 
all stains of sin in Jesus' blood, and save my 
soul for Jesus' sake. Show me the evil of 
my sin, and make me sincerely to mourn 
over the wickedness of my heart. May I 
remember that God commands us to be holy 
as the angels are holy, and to do his will on 
the earth as it is done in heaven. Lord, 
forgive the many sins I have committed, and 
' forgive me also that I do not love holiness 
more. Hear my prayer, I pray thee, and 
make me by thy Spirit what thou wouldst 
have me to be, for Jesus' sake. Amen. 




lo8 COMING TO THE KING. 



THIRTIETH DA Y. 

THE little floweret takes its birth 

From the dark mould of dingy earth, 
But stretching upward quickly blends 
The light and love that heaven sends, 
And throws upon the soft spring air 
In whitened bloom its childhood's prayer, 
"While deep within the heart below 
An incense altar's nil aglow : 
The prayer soon answered we discern, 
In ripened fruit of early germ. c. c H. 

Unto you therefore which believe he is precic us. 
l Pet. ii. 7. 

We love him, because he first loved us. 1 Jno. 
iv. 19. 

If a man love me, he will keep my words : and 
my Father will love him, and we will come unto 
him, and make our abode with him. Jno. xiv. 23. 

Morning. 

OTHOU holy son of God, my precious 
Saviour, I desire to come near unto 



COMING TO THE KING. 109 

thee this morning, and to feel thy sweet and 
holy presence in my heart. I praise thee 
that I am not too young to call thee my Je- 
sus ; that I may commit myself to thee, and 
trust in thee as my loving and Almighty Sa- 
viour. I love the sound of thy dear name ; 
it takes away all my fears, when I kneel be- 
fore God to confess my sins and to ask his 
blessing. Oh ! let thy smile shine upon me, 
as the glorious sun shines upon the earth, 
until my heart shall become like a garden 
filled with flowers. May all my words and 
acts this day show the beauty and sweetness 
of piety, and, when all the days of my earthly 
life are passed, I pray thee to receive my 
soul into heaven for thy name's sake. Amen. 



Evening. 

A GOD, thou art the gracious Giver of 
^ every good thing ; thy goodness and 
mercy to me this day make me ashamed of 
tny many sins and my imperfect obedience. 



no COMING TO THE KING. 

When I think of all the kindness I have 
received from thee, my heavenly Father, 
through my past life, and then remember 
what is promised to me in the Bible, which 
tells me of the life to come, I am filled with 
gratitude and praise. I see many around 
me deprived of the blessings I enjoy ! Oh, 
how great is thy love to me ! What have I 
done this day to show my love to thee ? I 
cannot pour precious perfume on thy head, 
dear Jesus, nor wash thy feet with my tears, 
but I long to show thee my love, and I will 
try to be gentle and pure and loving like 
thee. Let thy Spirit whisper in my ear the 
things thou wouldst have me to do, that 1 
may please thee perfectly. 

Please to bless my friends to-night, and 
hear their prayers for me. God, bless 
all the world ; may the blessed Saviour be 
loved and worshipped everywhere ! I offer 
my prayer to thee in his precious name, 
Amen. 



COMING TO THE KING. \ \ \ 



THIRTY-FIRST DAY. 

TWO little pilgrims on their way, 
I met upon life's road one day : 
One wished for earthly pleasures given ; 
The other asked the way to heaven. 
Oh happy was the child who trod 
The path that upward leads to God ! 
Thrice happy ! for the Saviour's voice 
Allured him on, and blest his choice. 

But ah ! that poor mistaken one, 
"Who chose the fatal race to run ! 
I saw him tread on ruin's verge, 
And heard below the roaring surge. 
How low he fell I could not see : 
Haste thou, the path of danger flee ; 
These pilgrims and their choice survey, 
Behold their end, and choose thy way ! 

ANON. 

When thou saidst, Seek ye my face ; my heart 
said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. Ps 
xxvii. 8, 



1 1 2 COMING TO THE KING. 

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of out 
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Pet. iii. lb. 

Now unto him that is able to keep you from 
falling, and to present you faultless before the 
presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the 
only wise God, our Saviour, be glory and majesty, 
dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen 
Jude 24, 25. 

Morning. 

k LMIGHTY God, Father of my Lord 
"- and Saviour Jesus Christ, again I kneel 
at thy feet, and ask thee to take me into 
thine arms of mercy. Lead me this day 
through every little trial I must meet. 
Make me quick to feel the danger of yield- 
ing to sinful desires. Lord, give me a 
pure conscience ; by thy Holy Spirit teach 
me to know that which is right and holy in 
thy sight. Make me afraid to disobey thy 
voice, in my own heart ; and give me grace 
to pray for thy help, when I am in danger 
of being led into sin. 



COMING TO THE KING. 113 

Dear Father in heaven, I beseech thee to 
keeu my soul through time and eternity* 
May I be safe in thy arms ; and let not the 
dreadful enemy of souls pluck me from thy 
hands. 

Lord, forgive my many sins, and as 
thou dost show to me such wonderful love 
and mercy, so may I with gentleness and 
kindness forgive those who grieve or injure 
me. 

Again I give myself to thee, dear Father 
in heaven, and ask thee to receive my 
prayers for Jesus' sake. Amen. 



Evening. 

TvEAR heavenly Father, how sweet and 
*J precious are the gracious words by 
which thou dost tell us thy love! With 
what tenderness hast thou made thyself 
known to sinful creatures ! Thou art a God 
infinitely just and holy, yet thou hast told us 
in thy word that thou art also merciful, 



U4 



COMING TO THE KING. 



slow to anger, and of great kindness ! Who 
can measure the greatness of thy love to us 
in sending the precious Saviour to die that 
we might be forgiven ! How can I praise 
him enough who left his glorious throne to 
save my sinful soul ! Oh, let me not grieve 
his love by the hardness of my heart ; may I 
never resist the blessed Spirit, nor do wick- 
edly in thy sight, to provoke thee to anger. 
I thank thee, God, for my being, and 
for all the blessings which surround me. 
Thou dost know all that is before me in my 
earthly journey. I cannot tell what shall 
be on the morrow ; but I would daily com- 
mit myself to thee, because thou art my 
Father, and knowest what is best for me. 
Be near to me when I die, I pray thee, and 
let me see thy smile. When I can no longer 
hear the voices of my earthly friends, may 
my ears be opened to the songs of angels, 
and to thy voice of mercy welcoming me to 
my heavenly home. Almighty God, I offer 
all my prayers in Jesus' name. Amen. 

THE END. 



THINKING ALOUD. 



A BOOK OF 



§mh llbftiiaticms for (Qilfcrm. 



GRACE WEBSTER HINSDALE, 

Author of 

" COMING TO THE KINO, A BOOK OP DEVOTIONS 
FOR CHILDREN." 



' ferns, engrave? it on my heart ; 
SJiat Shou the one thing needful art / 
*f eould from all things parted ~be ; 
73ut never ; never ; S@ord ; from 3hee. ;; 



NEW YORK: 
ANSON D. F. RANDOLPH & CO., 

No. 770 BEOADWAY. 

Comer of 9th Street. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 18(55, by 

ANSON D. F. RANDOLPH, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United Stat38, 
for the Southern District of New York. 



KDWAHD O. JENKINS, PRINTER, 
( li) NOKTH WILLIAM ST. 



Dear Children, — After reading God's Holy 

Word, did you ever leave the booh open before you, 

and talk aloud to yourself about its precious truth ? 

Did, you ever think that the Bible is God's message 

of love to you ? Try to think of what you read, and 

" hide God's Word in your heart, that you may love 

Him and that you may not sin against Him." Ask 

the Holy Spirit " to take of the things of Christ and 

to shoio them unto yoit" 

G. W. H, 



This Book is designed to be a companion to "Coming 
to the King." I anticipate the feeling which many parents 
may have that children cannot be expected to- meditate on 
Sacred Truth. Of course they will not, unless they are 
taught to do so. But will not a child's mind grow and 
work in the way in which it is led? Do we all give child- 
ren the credit which they deserve, for thoughtfulness and 
spiritual perception ? 

The power of reflection, though weak in the beginning, 
will increase by use, and to learn to appropriate God's 
blessed Word to ourselves, is an infinite gain. Though 
these meditations fall so far short of what they ought to 
be, in view of my object, still I hope that many children 
will find pleasure and profit in reading them more than 
once. 

I have gathered thoughts and suggestions, which it 
seemed to me might be useful ; and I have tried to write 
out the natural ideas of a thoughtful child after reading 
its daily portion of the Divine Word. May it please the 
Good Shepherd, by this humble book, to show his lambs 
the heavenly pastures where he feeds his flock ! 

G. W. H. 

Brooklyn, N. Y., 
Oct. 1865. 



THINKING ALOUD. 



FIRST DA Y. 

For God so loved the world that he gave his 
only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in 
him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 
John, iii. i 6. 

He will save, he will rejoice ovei thee with joy. 
Zeph., iii. 17. 

And he arose, and came to his father. But 
when he was yet a great way off, his father saw 
him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his 
neck, and kissed him. Luke, xv. 20. 

T LIKE to sit and imagine how the father 
-*- of the poor prodigal looked when he 
saw his son afar off. I think I can see him 
reaching out his kind arms as he ran to 
meet him. He had not a thought of turning 
the poor young man away, though he knew 



6 THINKING ALOUD. 

all about Iris foolish and wicked conduct. 
He could hardly bear to hear him confess 
his wrong doing, or wait to give him an 
opportunity to ask forgiveness. No ; he 
was the poor prodigal's kind and patient 
father, and he felt in haste to bring him 
into the house, and to put on him garments 
such as his son should wear, and to put a 
ring upon his finger, and to rejoice over him 
with singing ! 

It is a beautiful story. I read it over and 
over again, and it seems to tell me of God's 
great and wonderful love to us sinners who 
have wandered away from him. It makes 
me think of the many times my parents and 
friends have forgiven my disobedience and 
unkindness and ingratitude. I remember 
how tenderly they have treated me, and 
how they have taken me in their arms and 
drawn me close to them when they felt sure 
of my sorrow for my faults. 

Tm sure that the Saviour means to invite 
us to return to God from all our wicked 
ways. How can I be afraid or unwilling to 



THINKING ALOUD. y 

tell my heavenly Father all about my sins ? ' 
He does not bid us come to him that he may 
censure and condemn us. Jesus, the Re- 
deemer, says that he did not come into the 
world to condemn us, but to save us. O, 
let me never be afraid to go and tell Jesus 
all the sins of my wicked life ! I will not 
think of God as an angry judge — though I 
know that he will call me to give an account 
of my conduct at the solemn judgment day. 
I will remember how he sent his dear Son 
to die for sinners. I will remember this 
story of the penitent prodigal, in which 
God represents himself as a loving father 
rejoicing to take back into his arms his un- 
happy and penitent son. 

God, the holy Father, sent his beloved 
Son into the world because he longed to 
have us return unto him, that he might save 
and bless us. 

Not a word of stern upbraiding, 
Grieved his sad and suffering soul, 

When the boy his sin confessing 
To his father's bosom stole { 



THINKING ALOUD. 

Both were glad, yet both were weeping, 
While they stood with arms entwined ; 

And that young heart's anxious beating, 
Proved the grief that filled his mind.. 

Songs of joy were echoed sweetly. 
Through the halls of that dear home ; 

And the father's love told quickly, 
That the wanderer had come. 

Overcome with grief and weeping, 

Lying on his father's breast, 
The poor boy his sins confessing, 

Sunk at last to peace and nst. 

G. W. H 




THINKING ALOUD. 



SECOND DAY. 

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet 
of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth 
peace ; that bringeth good tidings of good, that 
publisheth salvation. Isaiah, lii. 7. 

And the angel said unto them, Fear not ; for, 
behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, 
which shall be to all people. Luke, ii. 10. 

The gospel of the grace of God. Acts, xx. 24. 

The gospel of Christ. Rom., i. 16. 

The gospel of your salvation. Eph., i. 13. 

Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel 
of the kingdom of God, 

And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the king- 
dom of God is at hand : repent ye, and believe 
the gospel. Mark, i. 14-15. 

FT1HE word Gospel means good news or 
-*- glad tidings. It is in the precious 
Gospel that we read of the grace and mercy 
of God to our sinful souls. 

The books which were written by Mat- 



io THINKING ALOUD. 

thcw, Mark, Luke and John, contain the 
history of Jesus, so that we arc told the 
story of his life by four different men who 
knew and loved him. They wrote out God's 
message of love to sinners as they heard it 
from Jesus 7 lips ; and they explained to us 
how the holy life of the dear Saviour ob- 
tained precious rewards and blessings for 
ns, and how his death upon the eross pro- 
cured the pardon of our sins. 1 think they 
did well to call their hooks " the Gospel," 
for certainly no such good news had ever 
been sen!, to the world before. It was, in- 
deed, glad tidings to all who heard or read 
of the Saviour's love! It was the; gospel of 
our salvation, brought to us from God by 
Christ the Redeemer ! He came saying, 
" Repent ye, and believe the Gospel." He 
told w^ that if we were sorry for our sins 
we might believe the good news of God's 
willingness to forgive us; and to all the 
poor and wretched around him he preached 
the precious Gospel. He told us that he 
came to take our place, and to suffer the 



THINKING ALOUD. 1 1 

punishment which the holy law required for 
our sins ; and that his own holy life and 
perfect obedience should merit for us a 
place in heaven. Oh, what a Saviour Jesus 
is! He has obtained eternal happiness for 
all who love him ; he has promised to pre- 
pare us by his Holy Spirit to live with him 
in heaven. He tells us that God will merci- 
fully receive us when we die if we have 
truly repented of our sins, and tried to live 
a holy life. 

Oh God, please to make my heart pure 
from sin in the blood of Jesus, and help me 
to rejoice in the glad tidings which tell us 
of all the good things which thou art so 
willing to give us for the sake of what thy 
dear Son has done and suffered for us ! 
Amen. 




12 THINKING ALOUD. 



THIRD DAY. 

This is my beloved son, in whom I am well 
pleased. Mat., iii. 17. 

The Lord is well pleased for his righteousness' 
sake. Is., xlii. 21. 

Be ye holy. Lev., xx. 7. 

Walk before me, and be thou perfect. Gen., 
xvii. 1. 

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our 
righteousnesses are as filthy rags. Is., Ixiv. 6. 

He hath made us accepted in the Beloved. 
Eph., i. 6. 

TT makes me very happy when I see that 
•*- my conduct pleases my parents, and that 
they are satisfied with my work when they 
have given me a particular thing to do. I 
feel as if nothing could induce me to neg- 
lect their wishes, when to gain their ap- 
proval is so sweet. But oh, it grieves me to 
think that God is so dissatisfied with me ! 
I should like to please him perfectly, so that 



THINKING ALOUD. 



13 



he would not be disappointed in me! I 
should like to do always just those things he 
commands and wishes me to do ; just those 
things which he expects me to do ! I wish 
that there were never in my heart any 
feelings but just those a little Christiar 
should have ! In one of David's Psalms it 
says : " The Lord looked down from heaven 
upon the children of men 77 to see if there 
were any that were good, and there was 
f not one." And yet it does not comfort 
me that I am like every body else in the 
world ; I think it makes me wish all the 
more that I could please God, and win his 
smile, to make me happy. At any rate 1 
will try to obey his commands ; I will try 
to watch my heart and keep it pure. 

How thankful I am to know that I am 
not going alone before God to stand clothed 
in my own righteousness. Indeed, I need 
not present myself to God at all for his ap- 
proval — I must not do that. Jesus "ap- 
pears in the presence of God for us," and 
God says of him : " This is my beloved Son, 
2 



'4 



THINKING ALOUD. 






in whom I am well pleased." The Saviour 
came into the world to take my place, and 
to bear my punishment — to suffer and die 
for me. And he lived for me too, he obeyed 
the law for me, so that I might have his 
righteousness as a beautiful robe to cover 
my sin-stained soul. God is well pleased 
even with me for his righteousness' sake. If 
I am penitent for my sins God will not look 
at them ; he will not mention them to me 
any more ; but he will look upon Jesus, in 
whom he is always well pleased, and who 
offers himself to God in my place. 

This comforts me more than I can tell; 
but still I want to be holy myself ! What 
infinite mercy it is in God to accept me 
through Jesus in this way ! Certainly he 
expects that I will try to please him in my 
own life ! Oh, my dear heavenly Father, 
give me thy holy Spirit to help me ; do not 
let me be willing to offend thee, who art so 
good and merciful to me ! My disobedience 
to my parents would disappoint and grieve 
their hearts. Oh, God, thou hast done in- 



THINKING ALOUD. 



15 



finitely more for me than my earthly parents 
can ever do ; let me not be a disobedien t 
and rebellious child to thee ! Amen. 

Jesus ! thy robe of righteousness 
My beauty is, — my glorious dress : 
Mid flaming worlds, in this arrayed, 
With joy shall I lift up my head. 

"When from the dust of death, I rise 
To claim my mansion in the skies, 
Ev'n then shall this be all my plea, — 
w Jesus hath lived and died for me." 

C. Wesley. 




16 THINKING ALOUD. 



FOTJBTH DAY. 

Search the Scriptures. John, v. 9. 

And that from a child thou hast known the 
Holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise 
unto salvation through faith, which is in Christ 
Jesus. 

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. 
2 Tim., iii. 15, 16. 

Thy word have I hid in mine heart that I 
might not sin against thee. Ps., cxix. 1 1. 

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light 
unto my path. Ps., cxix. 105. 

1TTHAT a wonderful book the Bible is ! 
' * My simple and ignorant thoughts are all 
confused when I try to think of the ages since 
its first chapters were written. How many 
little children have learned to repeat the 
beautiful parables and and the sweet Psalms 
of David ! How many poor, lonely prison- 
ers, and sick and suffering people have com- 
forted themselves with the precious promises 



THINKING ALOUD. 1 7 

in the Bible! How sweet the words of 
Jesus have been to all those who have 
loved him ! 

This Holy Book is able to make us wise 
unto salvation, for it shows us the path of 
life, and leads us to the precious Saviour, 
who is able and willing to save us. No 
captain, though he were ever so wise, would 
go to sea without his compass : and I know 
that I shall never guide myself aright if I 
neglect to inquire which way God's wisdom 
and will direct me. I will study my Bible 
more than any other book. Why should I 
take such pains to study the books con- 
taining earthly knowledge, and give so much 
less attention to this gracious and holy 
Book? 

I should like to know what will become of 
our Bibles when this world is all passed 
away. Shall we never have them again ? It 
seems to me that it would be a great pleasure 
lost — or left behind. But God knows best 
what we shall need or enjoy in another 
world. One thing I will do ; I will be 
2* 



18 THINKING ALOUD. 

sure, if possible, to know all that is written 
in the precious Bible before I die. I know 
that I can understand but a small portion 
of it ; but, certainly, I will try to read and 
remember as much as I can of -God's Holy 
Word. Blessed Spirit, help me to believe 
and to love my precious Bible ! 

" The Bible is my chart, 
By it the seas I know ; 
I cannot with it part — 
It rocks and sands doth show. 
It is my chart and compass too, 
Whose needle points forever true." 

Anon. 




THINKING ALOUD. 19 



FIFTH DA Y. 

Thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. 
Pro v., xxvii. l. 

And I saw in the right hand of him that sat 
on the throne a book written within and on the 
back side ; sealed with seven seals. 

And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a 
loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and 
to loose' the seals thereof? 

And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither 
under the earth, was able to open the book, 
neither to look thereon. 

And 1 wept much, because there was no man 
found worthy to open and to read the book, 
neither to look thereon. 

And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep 
not : behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the 
Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, 
and to loose the seven seals thereof. 

And I beheld, and lo, in the midst of the 
throne and of the four beasts', and in the midst of 
the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, 



2o THINKING ALOUD. 

having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the 
seven spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. 
And he came and took the book out of the 
right hand of him that sat upon the throne. 
Rev., v. 1-7. 

T OFTEN wish that I knew how and where 
-*- my life will be spent, and what God will 
permit to happen to me. I think, with tears 
in my eyes, of the time when I shall be left 
alone without my dear parents — for cer- 
tainly I should feel alone if they were gone, 
though I had ever so many other friends. 
When I see poor invalids confined with pain 
and weakness to their beds for years, I think 
to myself — perhaps my heavenly Father will 
find that I need such suffering to make me 
obedient and humble, as he wishes me to be. 
But, there is no use of my thinking of all 
these things. No one can read the book 
of the future, and know or even guess what 
will come to pass. It is a sealed book, and 
we need not be surprised at any thing 
which happens. God knows everything 
which is before us in this world, and all the 



THINKING ALOUD. 21 

events of our life will be just as he intended 
they should be. He orders all things for 
us by his son Jesus Christ to whom he gave 
the book with the seven seals. No one 
could open the book but our dear Saviour, 
who is the Lamb of God slain for us. The 
winds and the sea obeyed him when he was 
upon the earth, and all power in heaven and 
earth is given unto him. He loves me, and 
died to save me, so that I may know that 
he will make all things work together for 
my good if I really love God. I will take 
every day's blessings and trials just as they 
come from Jesus' hands. He will order 
everything from hour to hour as I need. If 
I am in any trouble, T ought to look into my 
heart, and think over my actions, and see if 
there is not some wicked way in me, to 
which Jesus wants to call my attention. 
When I am happy in the enjoyment of God's 
goodness, 1 ought to remember why he shows 
such mercy to me. Dear Jesus, I owe all my 
blessings to thee. Grant that I may be 
always under thy gracious care ! Amen. 



22 TEINKINQ ALOUD. 



SIXTH DAT. 

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is 
given : and the government shall be upon his 
shoulders : and his name shall be called Wonder- 
ful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Ever- 
lasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Is., ix. 6. 

And when they were departed, behold, the angel 
of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, 
Arise, and take the young child and his mother, 
and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I 
bring thee word : for Herod will seek the young 
child to destroy him. Mat., ii. 13. 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word 
was with God, and the Word was God. John, i. 1. 

And let all the angels of God worship him. 
Heb., i. 6. 

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sin- 
ners. 1 Tim., i. 15. 

T READ in the Bible that the holy Son of 
-*- God became a child like me, and lived 
upon the earth. He came down from heaven, 



THINKING ALOUD. 



21 



where he had always been with God from 
eternity. He was God, and the blessed 
angels and the holy spirits loved and wor- 
shipped him, and rejoiced to do his will. 
Why did he leave those holy beings and 
that happy place? Why did he come to 
this sinful world, and lie in the arms of 
Mary — a helpless babe ? It is a wonderful 
thing to think of ! Our earth seems so very 
far off from heaven, and we are all so unholy 
and miserable that it is very wonderful to 
me that the Saviour should come himself to 
live among us. If he had sent a beautiful 
angel to do us good, and to teach us how to 
please him, I should have thought that even 
such kindness was wonderful love. But he 
preferred to come himself, and be a little 
child, dependent upon Joseph and Mary for 
care and support. I suppose that he worked 
with his own hands with Joseph in his hum- 
ble home. It does not surprise me that the 
angels desire to look into these things. The 
Bible says they do ; and they sing louder 
and sweeter songs of praise to Jesus than 



24 THINKING ALOUD. 

we can, because they saw him in his glory 
before he left the skies to take upon him our 
nature. In one way they cannot love him, 
for he is not their Saviour. I will praise 
him because he lived and died for me. 

Hark ! hark ! the notes of joy 

Roll o'er the heavenly plains, 
And seraphs find employ 

For their sublimest strains ; 
Some new delight in heaven is known ; 
Loud sound the harps around the throne. 

Hark ! hark ! the sound draws nigh, 

The joyful hosts descend ; 
Jesus forsakes the sky, 

To earth his footsteps bend ; 
He comes to bless our fallen race ; 
He comes with messages of grace. 

Bear — bear the tidings round ; 

Let every mortal know 
What love in God is found, 

What pity he can show ; 
Ye winds that blow ! ye waves that roll t 
Bear the glad news from pole to pole. 

Anon. 



THINKING ALOUD. 25 



SEVENTH DA T. 

The waters of Shiloah, that go softly. Is., viii. 6. 

And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which 
^las blind from his birth. 

And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, 
who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was 
born blind ? 

Jesus answered, Neither has this man sinned, 
nor his parents ; but that the works of God should 
be made manifest in him. 

I must work the works of him that sent me, 
while it is day ; the night cometh, when no man 
can work. 

As long as I am in the world, I am the light of 
the world. 

When he had thus spoken, he spat on the 
ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he 
anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay : 

And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of 
Siloam (which is by interpretation, Sent). He 
went his way therefore, and washed, and came 
seeing. John ix., 1-8. 

3 



2 6 THINKING ALOUD. 

rjIHE little brook Shiloah flowed softly 
-*- and gently near the great and beautiful 
city of Jerusalem ; its cool, clear water fill- 
ed the pool of Siloam on the side of Mount 
Sion where the splendid temple stood. This 
was the pool in wMch the Saviour command- 
ed the blind man to wash, that he might re- 
ceive his sight. He bathed in waters which 
were led through channels cut in the solid 
rock underneath the holy city. God used this 
little bright and sparkling brook to give 
comfort and pleasure to all who went to the 
pool for refreshment. But the poor blind 
man must have been the happiest person 
who ever stepped out of that clear and 
healing water ! He knew that it was the 
Lord who had opened his eyes, by a gracious 
miracle, and that the water itself could not 
have cured his blindness. Yet he must 
have loved often to visit that pool after- 
wards, and to remember the delight with 
which he first looked upon the beautiful 
world around him. Perhaps he used to go 
out of the city and follow the little brook, 



THINKING ALOUD. 2 j 

as it wound around the hills. What loving 
thoughts of Jesus must have filled his 
heart ! 

May I not try to imitate even a brook, 
which makes itself a blessing to every one ? 
A little child cannot do all that a grown 
person can, any more than the pretty brooks 
can be like great rivers, carrying noble 
ships, and watering whole continents. But 
still, the dear little brooks would be missed, 
by old and young, for they flow softly along, 
raising the heads of wild flowers, and pro- 
viding refreshment and pleasure for weary 
travelers and happy children. It is the 
love and sincerity we show, which makes 
our efforts to do good acceptable to others. 
If I wait till I can do some great thing, I'm 
afraid that I shall never do anything at all. 
God, please to give me a willing heart, 
and show me at all times and in every 
place, the ways in which I can do good,. and 
the little acts of love and kindness, which 
thou wilt help me to perform. Amen. 



28 THINKING ALOUD. 

" O what can little hands do 
To please the King of heaven ? 

The little hands some work may try 

To help the poor in misery ; — 
Such grace to mine be given. 

" Oh what can little lips do 

To please the King of heaven ? 
The little lips can praise and pray, 
And gentle words of kindness say; — 
Such grace to mine be given. 

" O what can little eyes do 

To please the King of heaven ? 
The little eyes can upward look, 
Can learn to read God's Holy Book ; — 
Such grace to mine be given. 

" O what can little hearts do 

To please the King of heaven ? 
Young hearts if God His Spirit send, 
Can love and trust their Saviour, Friend ;— 
Such grace to mine be given. 

" Though small is all that we can do 
To please the King of heaven, 
When hearts, and hands, and lips unite, 
To serve the Saviour with delight, 
They are most precious in His sight ; 
Such grace to mine be given." anon*. 



THINKING ALOUD. 29 



EIGHTH HAY. 

Not by works of righteousness which we ha\ e 
done, but according to his mercy he saved us. 
Titus, iii. 5. 

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and 
yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. 
fames, ii. 10. 

God hath given to us eternal life, and this life 
is in his son. 1 John, v. 1 1. 

Even as the Son of man came not to be minis- 
tered unto, but to minister, and to g : .ve his life a 
ransom for many. Mat., xx. 28. 

T AM not told in God's Word, to do good 
•*• works, that I may become righteous in 
his sight ! It would be very foolish and 
sinful for me to think that I could obtain 
the favor of the Great and Holy God, by 
even my best efforts to live a holy life. It 
would be foolish in me to think so. because 
it would show how little I know what that 
holiness is which God's law requires of us ; 
3* 



3o 



THINKING ALOUD. 



and it would "be wicked, because God has 
said that all our righteousness is as filthy 
rags, and that he will not permit us to come 
into his presence, unless we are covered 
with the robe of righteousness which Jesus 
wrought. 

But, is the work all finished, and have I 
nothing to do but to enjoy God's blessings 
to me in this world, and to enter heaven 
when I die ? 1 have found this verse, " God 
hath given to us eternal life," — he gave it 
to us long ago, when Jesus lived and died 
to obtain it for us ! He does not say that he 
will give it to us, if we bring to him a suf- 
ficient number of good works. Certainly he 
knew that we should never obtain eternal 
happiness through any merit of our own ; 
and all that I can do is to accept the gift 
of life through Jesus Christ his Son. 

I need not be searching for a treasure to 
pay my ransom with,, for Jesus paid it long 
ago, with the price of his own precious blood. 
I need not try to pay it over again, with 
any works that I can do ! Still I know 



THINKING ALOUD. 



3* 



that God commands us to be holy ; and that 
he is pleased with our efforts to serve him. 
It is not wrong for me to tell him how I 
have tried to obey his commandments, and to 
fight against my sins. He will graciously 
accept my obedience, while I trust alone in 
the merits of Jesus for his favor. My 
feeble attempts to please him, will be like 
fragrant flowers in his sight, though I may 
never be able to bring him any perfect fruit, 
to show my success in doing good works, 

God, help me to understand how to 
bring unto thee the righteousness of Christ 
by faith — for " without faith, it is impossi- 
ble" to Dlease thee. Amen. 




32 



THINKING ALOUD. 



NINTH DA Y. 

Can any hide himself in secret places that I 
shall not see him ? saith the Lord. Jer., xxiii. 24. 

And they heard the voice of the Lord God 
walking in the garden in the cool of the day : 
and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the 
presence of the Lord God, amongst the trees of 
the garden. Gen., iii. 8. 

Thou compassest my path and my lying down, 
and art acquainted with all my ways. Ps. 
cxxxix. 1 1 . 

The Lord is at hand. Phil., iv. 5. 

The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear 
him, in those that hope in his mercy. Ps. 
cxlvii. 1 1. 

For God hath power to help. 2 Chron., xxv. 8. 

And therefore will the Lord wait, that he may 
be gracious unto you* 

He will be very gracious unto thee at the 
voice of thy cry ; when he shall hear it he will 
answer thee. Is., xxx. 18, 19. 



THINKING ALOUD. 



33 



TTTTHY should any one wish to flee from 
' * God's presence ? It would be like 
wishing to get away from our best friend ! 
Adam and Eve hid themselves among the 
trees of the garden, and dreaded to meet 
the Lord again, because they felt so ashamed 
and afraid after their disobedience. If it 
were not for our own sinful desires, I think 
we should rejoice to know that our heavenly 
Father is always near us. 

Certainly it is God's love that leads him 
to attend us so constantly and mercifully. 
He does not act towards us as if he thought 
that our safety and happiness were of no 
consequence ! When I think of his presence 
with me at all times, I will remember also 
his precious promises to those who depend 
upon him for all they wish or need. Does 
not God say that he waits to be gracious to 
us? In his infinite compassion he comes 
near to us, and bends his ear to listen to our 
prayers. He is always ready to stretch out 
his hand to help us when we are in danger, 
just as the Lord reached forth his arm to 



34 



THINKING ALOUD. 



save Peter from sinking in the water. I 
am glad to know that I can never go out of 
his sight ; that he is forever by my side to 
know my condition. I do not believe that 
he stands by us always to watch for our 
faults and our sins, that he may write them 
down in his book, or punish us as we de- 
serve ! It is much pleasanter to think that 
he follows us to guide and help us, and that 
he has precious gifts in his hands for us, if 
we will only ask him to bestow upon us 
these good things. 

Oh yes ; it is sweet to think of God's 
power and love, while we remember that he 
is always near us ! He can do for us all 
that we need ; and if I look to him to keep 
me in the right way he w T ill hear my prayer. 
It will please him to have me depend upon 
his love. 



f^ 



THINKING ALoUD. 3? 



TENTH DA Y. 

A lively hope, l Pet., i. 3. 

The hope of eternal life. Titus, iii. 7. 

How then shall they call on him in whom they 
have not believed ? and how shall they believe in 
him of whom they have not heard ? and how 
shall they hear without a preacher ? Rom., x. 14. 

Having no hope, and without God in the 
world. Eph., ii. 12. 

T HAVE found in the Bible this expres- 
-*- sion — " a lively hope ;" and one of my 
friends has told me that it means a hope of 
life. It seems to me to contain a great deal 
that is precious to think of, in a few words. 
I know that it does not mean a hope of life 
in this world, though I am sure that if I 
was in any danger, and expected to die, and 
a hope of life were given to me, I should be 
very grateful and happy. It means the hope 
of everlasting life, which God has given 
us— -the hope that w^e have through Jesus 



3 6 ' THINKING ALOUD. 

that our souls shall live with God in heaven, 
after our lives in this world are over. 

If it were not for the Bible and the pre- 
cious Saviour, we should know nothing of 
the future. We should be like the poor 
heathen, who have no knowledge of God 
and heaven. How sad it is to think of the 
thousands of wretched and ignorant people 
who live in lands where the Gospel is never 
preached ! Of course they cannot worship or 
love a being about whom they know nothing. 
They have no Bible to tell them of the life 
of the soul ; and they have only a little 
light in their own hearts, by which to see 
the difference between w x hat is right and 
wrong ! Oh, I should like to tell them how 
the Saviour was crucified for us ! I should 
like to tell them about the beautiful place 
we call heaven, where we hope to see Jesus, 
and live forever with those who love him ! 
When I am older, perhaps God will want 
me to go into some heathen country, and 
be a missionary to those who have no 
" hope of life !" 



THINKING ALOUD. 



17 



Am I not like the blind man, whose eyes 
were opened to see Jesus ; and shall I not 
do all I can to have others see and love him 
too ? I need not wait till I am grown, to 
be a missionary, for we are all missionaries 
so long as we are in this world. We are 
all sent into the world to do something, and 
a missionary only means " one who is sent." 
God has sent me into the world, and I must 
be his missionary — to do his work. 

God is the Creator and Father of all the 
many millions of people upon the earth. 
We are all made in his image, and our souls 
are just alike in his sight. Why has he put 
such a difference between me and the poor 
heathen ? When I remember all his mer- 
cies to me, and all my advantages, I am 
ashamed to think how little I love him. 
I will offer to God the prayer that Paul 
did — " Lord, what wilt thou have me to 
do?" 



3 8 THTNKING ALOUD. 



ELEVENTH DAY. 

For the Son of Man is come to seek and save 
that which was lost. Luke, xix. 10. 

And he spake this parable unto them saying, 
What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if 
he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety 
and nine in the wilderness, and go after that 
which is lost, until he find it ? 

And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his 
shoulders, rejoicing. 

And when he cometh home, he calleth together 
his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, 
Rejoice with me ; for I have found my sheep 
which was lost. 

I say unto you, That likewise joy shall be in 
heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than 
over ninety and nine just persons which need no 
repentance. 

Either what woman, having ten pieces of silver, 
if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and 
sweep the house, and seek diligently till she 
find it ? 



THINKING ALOUD. 



39 



And when she hath found it, she calleth her 
friends and her neighbors together, saying, Re- 
joice with me ; for I have found the piece which I 
had lost. 

Likewise, I say unto you, There is joy in the 
presence of the angels of God over one sinner that 
repenteth. Luke, xv. 3-1 1. 

I have gone astray like a lost she^p. Ps. 
cxix. 176. 

jj~ DO not remember that I was ever lost 
-*- so that I could not find my way back to 
my home. And I can scarcely imagine how 
distressed and frightened I should be if 1 
were far away from my father's house without 
any one to help me to return. It must be 
a dreadful thing to be lost. And yet the 
Bible speaks of Jesus the Redeemer as of 
one who came " to seek and to save the lost." 
Did he not come to save us all ? Who are 
" the lost ? ?r Does it not mean that we have 
wandered out of the way which leads to our 
heavenly home? It must be that Jesus 
means to tell us that God is our Father, and 
that we are like poor, lonely, disobedient 



4 o THINKING ALOUD. 

children, who have chosen to give up his 
love, and to try to find our happiness in sin- 
ful pleasures and among wicked companions. 
This is being lost from the way of holiness ; 
it is being far away from the dear Saviour's 
arms ; it is being lost amidst the sins and 
dangers to which Satan is ever trying to 
lead us. He does not wish to see us holy 
and happy, and therefore he tempts us to 
forget God, and to wander away from the 
safe and pleasant paths in which Jesus would 
have us walk. 

Surely I am one of the "lost" whom 
Jesus came to seek and save. But I think 
he is near me now, asking me let him guide 
me and to let him teach me. I do not wish 
to live away from him — separated from him 
by my sins. I will tell him that I am lost, 
and that I trust in him to lead me back to 
my heavenly Father's love, because he came 
to seek and save the lost. 



THINKING ALOUD. 41 



TWELFTH DA T. 

And when he had spoken these things, while 
they beheld,, he was taken up ; and a cloud re- 
ceived him out of their sight. 

And, while they looked steadfastly toward 
heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by 
them in white apparel. 

Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand 
ye gazing up into heaven ? this same Jesus, which 
is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come 
in like manner as ye have seen him go into 
heaven. Acts, i. 9, 10, 11. 

|~ AM surprised that the two men in white 
-*- apparel should have asked the disciples 
why they stood gazing up into heaven ! 
Had not the dear Saviour just gone up into 
the clouds? I do not wonder that they 
stood looking up so steadfastly ! It must 
have broken their hearts with grief to have 
Jesus leave them so suddenly ! And then 

they understood so little about heaven and 
4# 



42 



THINKING ALOUD. 



about what Jesus could do for them there ! 
They knew very well that here in this 
wicked world the enemies of the Lord 
would try to persecute and kill them. 
How discouraging and alarming it must 
have been to them to be left alone without 
the protection of their glorious and precious 
Master. Perhaps Jesus thought that this 
feeling of loneliness and fear woilld lead 
them to pray unto him, and to tell him all 
their troubles. He wanted, I suppose, to 
teach them to live by faith upon his love 
and strength. When they saw him right 
by their side it was easy to depend upon 
him, because he did such wonderful things 
to show them his power and willingness to 
protect and to bless those who trusted in 
him. And often he had let them know 
that he could read their thoughts and see 
just what they needed without being near to 
them, so that they could see him. I am 
sure that they ought to have known that he 
could be their friend and helper up in the 
skies the same as when he was with them 



THINKING ALOUD. 43 

upon the earth ! But they were so astonished 
by his rising into the air and disappearing 
from their sight, that they could not think 
of these things. No doubt, many things 
which Jesus had said were brought to their 
remembrance after the Holy Spirit came 
down, which Jesus had promised to send 
into their hearts. But the two men com- 
forted them by telling them that the same 
dear Saviour they loved should come again 
in the clouds from heaven to take them to 
be with him for ever. Shall I see this 
glorious sight ? Oh ! that I may live in the 
presence of Jesus now by faith, so that I 
may not be terrified when I see him coming 
again with all the holy angels through the 
skies. 










0*$%**. 



44 THINKING ALOUD. 



THIRTEENTH HA Y. 

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of 
Judea, in the days of Herod the king, behold, 
there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 

Saying, where is he that is born King of the 
Jews ? for we have seen his star in the east, and 
are come to worship him. 

When Herod the King had heard these things, 
he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 

And when he had gathered all the chief priests 
and scribes of the people together, he demanded 
of them where Christ should be born. 

And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea : 
for thus it is written by the prophet, 

And thou, Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, 
art not the least among the princes of Juda : fer 
out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule 
my people Israel. 

Then Herod, when he had privily called 
the wise men, inquired of them diligently what 
time the star appeared. 

And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, 



THINKING ALOUD. 45 

Go and search diligently for the young child ; 
and when ye have found him, bring me word 
again, that I may come and worship him also. 

When they had heard the king, they departed ; 
and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went 
before them, till it came and stood over where the 
young child was. 

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with ex- 
ceeding great joy. 

And when they were come into the house, they 
saw the young child with Mary his mother, and 
fell down and worshipped him : and when they 
had opened their treasures, they presented unto 
him gifts ; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. 
Matt. ii. 1 -11. 

HI HE wise men from the east were very 
-*- curious to see the holy babe which was 
born King of the Jews. They followed the 
star which God put in the heavens to guide 
them to the place where Jesus was ; and 
when they came to the stable in which the 
holy child was born they presented unto 
him gifts, gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. 
I cannot help wondering what Mary did 



4 6 THINKING ALOUD. 

with all these rich and beautiful things 
which the wise men gave to the little babe. 
But, I know that God had shown to these 
great men that this little child was his Son, 
and that he was the Messiah whom they had 
so long expected. They knew that they 
ought to bow down and worship him. It 
was the custom in their country to carry 
precious gifts to their earthly King, and so 
they tried to please the Lord by offering to 
him these valuable presents as a proof of 
their adoration and joy. They rejoiced 
because they were allowed to see and wel- 
come the promised Saviour. 

Would it not be pleasant to take some 
little gift to the Lord, and ask him to let it 
remind him of our love? Yes, I think it 
would. But he does not need anything 
that we can bring him ! There is only one 
thing which he asks us to give to him. He 
does say, " Give me thy heart." Oh ! how 
can I offer him such an unholy and sinful 
thing? Yet, I will ask him to take my 
heart at once, for I know that he wants me 



THINKING ALOUD. 



47 



to give it to him that he may wash it and 
make it holy. Dear Jesus, I have nothing 
else to bring thee but my poor, sinful heart ; 
please to accept it. 

Jesus, who on Calvary's mountain 
Poured thy precious blood for me, 

Wash me in its flowing fountain, 
That my soul may spotless be. 

I have sinned, but oh, restore me ; 

For unless thou smile on me, 
Dark is all the world before me, 

Darker yet eternity ! 

In thy word I hear thee saying, 
Come and I will give you rest ; 

And the gracious call obeying, 
See, I hasten to thy breast. 

Grant, oh, grant, thy Spirit's teaching 

That I may not go astray, 
Till the gate of heaven reaching, 

Earth and sin are passed away. 

Anok. 



48 THINKING ALOUD. 



FO TJRTEENTH DA Y. 

For one star differeth from another star in 
glory, i Cor., xv. 41. 

Be ye followers of me, even as I am of Christ. 
l Cor., xi. 1. 

Fear not, neither be discouraged. Deut., i. 21. 

For I have given you an example. John, xiii. 15. 

Ye are our epistles written in our hearts, known 
ind read of all men. 2 Cor , iii. 2. 

f MIGHT spend whole days trying to find 
-*- two leaves exactly alike, and I should 
not succeed ! I might listen for hours in a 
forest to hear the same song from two dif- 
ferent birds, and I should not hear it ! It 
w r ould be impossible even for me to find 
two birds with the same plumage ! Each 
landscape is different from every other, and 
no two human faces are just alike. God 
has given us a great deal of pleasure in just 
^he variety in things around us ! It is a 
comfort to me to think that God intended 



THINKING ALOUD. 



49 



to have all this difference in the same kind 
of things. Sometimes when I read the 
memoirs of good children I think that God 
would be better satisfied with me if I were 
like them, and then it comforts me to think 
about the birds and the leaves and the 
different flowers. The roses and the lilies 
are very different, yet God made them both, 
and they please him, I think, all the more 
because they are not alike. When I read 
the lives and history of those who have 
loved Jesus, I will try to imitate them so 
far as they pleased the Lord ; but I will 
not be discouraged because I cannot be 
exactly like them, nor do exactly the same 
things. 

I will ask the Holy Spirit to help me to 
study the life and example of Jesus, who 
became a child, and grew up to be a man 
that we might have a perfect pattern by ■ 
which we should live. We have in the 
Bible a description of him, in order that we 
may try to imitate him in all that we can. 
The books and letters in the Bible teaching 



5 o THINKING ALOUD. 

us the character of our dear Saviour are 
very precious. They were written by men 
who died long ago, and I must remember 
that it is my duty to be a living letter, which 
may be known and read by all men, just as 
they would read the character of Jesus in 
one of those old and precious letters written 
so long ago. I must try to show in my 
own life what Jesus wishes us to be. Oh, 
God, help me to grow more and more like 
Jesus, and give me grace to follow his 
example. Amen. 

Behold, where, in a mortal form 

Appears each grace diyine ; 
The virtues, all in Jesus met, 

With mildest radiance shine. 

Be Christ our pattern and our guide ; 

His image may we bear ; 
O, may we tread his holy steps, 

His joy and glory share ! 

Enfield. 



THINKING ALOUD. 51 



FIFTEENTH BAY. 

The answer of a good conscience toward God. 
1 Pet., iii. 21. 

A pure conscience, l Tim., iii. 3—9. 

An evil conscience. Heb., x. 22. 

Having their conscience seared with a hot iron. 
I Tim., iv. 2. 

Convicted by their own conscience. John, 
viii. 9. 

Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not 
what is right ? Luke, xii. 57. 

And thou shalt do that which is right and good 
in the sight of the Lord. Deut., vi. 18. 

To seek of him a right way for us. Ezra, viii. 2 1 . 

A still small voice. 1 Kings, xix. 12. 

Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away 
the sins of the world. John, i. 29. 

Cast thy burden upon the Lord. Ps., Iv. 22. 

C\ OD has given to each of us a conscience, to 
^ help us to decide whether our thoughts 
and wishes are right or wrong. There is 



5 2 



THINKING ALOUD. 



something within us which seems to talk 
with us and try to influence us to do right. 
It is surely God's voice in our hearts, and it 
must be very dangerous and wicked for me 
to disregard it. We have the holy rules by 
which we are to govern our conduct, writ- 
ten very plainly in the Bible ; and, besides 
this written law, when we wish to do any- 
thing, our consciences judge whether it 
will please God or not. What if the judge 
within us should not decide correctly about 
our actions, or should not speak to us at all ; 
when we are very much tempted to sin, is 
there not danger that we shall not hear 
God's still small voice in our hearts ? How 
dreadful it would be if we were left to our 
own choice and will ; we could never get 
away from temptations, and there would be 
nothing within us to help us to resist the 
sinful desires which would soon destroy our 
souls. 

And every time I commit a sin, they say 
it makes the voice of God feebler and faint- 
er within me ; Oh ! God let me never try to 



THINKING ALOUD. 



S3 



silence my conscience! Let me not wick- 
edly persist in my wrong doings ! Put into 
my heart a fear of thine anger and of thy 
judgments, and keep my conscience awake 
to warn me instantly of the approach of the 
tempter. Make me afraid of even the 
smallest sins — for I know that thou hatest 
all sin. 

Will my conscience remind me of those 
duties I have neglected to do ; will it help 
me to repent of my sins of omission? Yes* 
I am told that God will educate and enlight- 
en this conscience which speaks for him in 
my heart, so that it will reprove me for 
neglecting to perform my duty. The Holy 
Spirit is the keeper and instructor of my 
inward judge ; he can make my conscience 
sensitive, and tender, and faithful, and honest. 
I will pray for such a conscience. 

But oh ! who can take the burden of my 
sins away ? Who can bear to think of all 
the wrong acts of his life ? My conscience 
Will keep me unhappy all the time, if I let it 
show me all my faults ! The sinfulness of 
5* 



54 



THINKING ALOUD. 



my heart is very painful to me! Dear 
Jesus! I bring all my burden to thee; 
please to open the windows of my dark and 
sinful soul and let me look out to the sun- 
shine of thy love. Amen. 

There is a little lonely fold, 

Whose flock one Shepherd keeps, 

Through summer's heat and winter's cold, 
"With eye that never sleeps. 

By evil beast, or burning sky, 

Or damp of midnight air, 
Not one in all that flock shall die 

Beneath that shepherd's care. 

For if, unheeding or beguiled, 

In danger's path they roam, 
His pity follows through the wild, 

And guards them safely home. 

Oh, gentle Shepherd, still behold 

Thy helpless charge in me ; 
Ajid take a wanderer to thy fold, 

That trembling turns to thee ! 

Litchfield's Coll. 



THINKING ALOUD. 55 



SIXTEENTH DA Y. 

Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing 
it is for the eyes to behold the sun. Ec, xi. 7. 

As for these four children, God gave them 
knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom. 
Dan., i. 17. 

But the path of the just is as the shining light, 
that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 

The way of the wicked is as darkness, they know 
not at what they stumble. Prov., iv. 18, 19. 

1 am come a light into the world, that whoso- 
ever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. 
John, xii. 46. 

Let your light so shine among men, that they 
may see your good works, and glorify your Father 
which is in heaven. Mat., v. 16. 

I* DO not like to sit in a dark room, or to 
-*- walk where I have no light. It is very 
unpleasant, and I am afraid of stumbling in 
the darkness. If I'm sleeping I do not need 
or wish the light, but when I am awake I 



j 6 THINKING ALOUD. 

enjoy the sunshine ; and I think that God 
made my eyes so that the light should be 
sweet and pleasant to me. I could not en- 
joy the beautiful things which God has made, 
if it were always dark around me : and I 
could never see the faces of my friends ! 
Oh ! God, I thank thee for the bright and 
cheerful light ! 

But, there is another kind of light besides 
that which shines from the sun and the moon 
and the stars. There is light for our minds 
as well as for our eyes — knowledge is 
called light. How very little of this kind 
of light there is in my mind ! Still I will 
not be discouraged, for I know that the sun 
gradually drives away the darkness in the 
morning till it is perfectly light. The more 
I study and observe things around me. the 
more light of knowledge I shall have ; and 
my mind will grow stronger as I grow older. 
I will pray for God's blessing on my mind, 
that I may learn that which is useful and 
know the difference between good and evil. 

And there is still another kind of light, 



THINKING ALOUD. 



57 



for Jesus says, " I am the light of the world ; 
he that followeth me shall not walk in dark- 
ness, but shall have the light of life." This 
is the light I need the most ! If I believe 
in Jesus and love him, then the light of 
God's grace has begun to shine in my heart 
and it will increase more and more, till I am 
made holy and happy in the light of my heav- 
enly Father's love and smile. This glorious 
light which Jesus gives does indeed " shine 
in a dark place," and the beginning of a 
holy life, the Bible calls the rising of a " day- 
star" in our hearts. 

Dear Jesus, come, I pray thee, and bring 
thy light into my soul, that I may love thee 
more, and please thee better. Amen. 



j 8 THINKING ALOUD. 

SEVENTEENTH DA T. 

I have finished the work which thou gavest me 
to do. John, xvii. 4. 

Boast not thyself of to-morrow ; for thou 
knowest not what a day may bring forth. Prov., 
xxvii. 1. 

Therefore are they before the throne of God, 
and serve him day and night in his temple. Rev., 
vii. 15. 

I will help thee. Is., xli. 10. 

I HAVE made up ray mind that God will 
not be pleased if I do nothing but play. 
There certainly is some kind of work which 
he expects me to do, and I must try and find 
out what it is, and begin to do it ; for no 
one else can. do my work, and if I neglect 
to do it, it will surely be left undone. Shall 
all the rest of the world be busy and I be 
idle ? No ; I should be ashamed to leave 
this earth and go up to my heavenly Father 
without finishing the work which he gave 
me to do. 



THINKING ALOUD. 



59 



What can a child like me do ? Certainly 
most of my work must be done at home, by 
my dear mother's side, and . among my 
brothers and sisters ! I shall have to be 
constantly watching to see what my duty is, 
for it is only little things which I can do, 
and if I am careless I shall not notice them, 
and then my work will not be done. 

I must not put off till to-morrow what I 
ought to do to-day, for to-morrow I shall 
have no time to spare. There will be some- 
thing for me to do to-morrow whicn I did 
not see or think of to-day, and I cannot 
take the time for my neglected work. 

But I cannot work all the time ! It tires 
me whenever I try to see how much I can 
do ! Besides, I like to play ; and mother 
tells me that God likes to have me enjoy 
myself with my friends, and that playing 
will help me to work all the better. How 
sweet it is to think that Jesus watches us at 
our play ! I will try not to play any thing 
that would displease or offend him. It 
seems to me that play ought not to be called 



60 THINKING ALOUD. 

idleness ; because if it does me good, then 
it is a part of my work. There will never 
come a day which I may spend in idleness, 
and think that I have nothing to do. In 
heaven God will give to each of us holy 
work to do, and we shall have better 
powers with which to serve him. 

This I will remember — that my heavenly 
Father has not only given me my particular 
work, but he also offers to help me do it. 

Do thy best always — do it now — 

For in the present time, 
As in the furrows of a plow, 

Fall seeds of good or crime. 

The sun and rain will ripen fast 
Each seed that thou hast sown, 

And every act and word at last 
By its own fruit be known. 

And soon the harvest of thy toil, 

Rejoicing, thou shalt reap ; 
Or o'er thy wild neglected soil, 

Go forth in shame to weep. 

Jones Very. 



THINKING ALOUD. 6l 



EIGHTEENTH DA T. 

Whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be 
safe. Pro v., xxix. 25. 

I will not fail thee nor forsake thee. Josh., i. 15. 

I will surely do thee good. Gen., xxxii. 12. 

I pray not that thou shouldest take them out 
of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them 
from the evil. John, xvii. 15. 

And we know that all things work together for 
good to them that love God. Rom., viii. 29. 

The hand of our God is upon all them for good 
that seek him ; but his power and his wrath is 
against all them that forsake him. Ezra, viii. 22. 

O AFE ! Yes ; I am perfectly safe in 
^ my heavenly. Father's care ! He will 
not forget me ; he will not forget that I am 

I weak and helpless to take care of myself ; 

J he will not forget to supply my wants, and 

to protect me from danger ! In thee, dear 

heavenly Father, do I put my trust ; for I 

know that thou art willing a little child 

6 



62 THINKING ALOUD. 

should trust in thee, and thou art able to do 
for me more than I can ask or think. 

If God is my friend, I need not fear any 
thing which shall happen. I will not be 
afraid of the evil which Jesus says is in the 
world ; nor of Satan, who tries to destroy 
my soul by tempting me to sin. I will be 
afraid of nothing, for God's power can de- 
liver me from everything which can harm 
or injure me. We are safe because we be- 
long to our faithful Saviour Jesus Christ ; 
and no enemy can pluck us from his hands. 
No one can take from us the blessings that 
God gives us, or hinder him from doing us 
good. God is a great King, and he will 
not suffer any one to take away the peace 
of those who serve him. 

But if I am outside of the heavenly fold, 
like a lost sheep lying out in the open field, 
I shall be exposed to every danger. God's 
protecting arm will not be around me here 
in this world, nor in the long eternity 
through which my soul must live. This is a 
dreadful thought— that God will not be my 



THINKING ALOUD. 63 

friend nor my protector. If I hate sin and 
love holiness, and trust in Jesus to save my 
soul, then all things in God's great universe 
shall bring me happiness. But if I reject 
the Saviour's love, and go on in my sinful 
ways, then no sweet assurances of God's 
love shall bless me, but everything will be 
dark and sad, and bring me the punishment 
I deserve. 

Oh, God ! do not let me forget thy power 
to punish, as well as thy gracious power to 
do us good. Keep me, I beseech thee, undei 
thy protecting wings forever ! Amen. 

Since, with pure and firm affection, 

Thou on God hast set thy loye, 
With the wings of his protection 

He will shield thee from above ; 
Thou shalt call on him in trouble, 

He will hearken, he will save ; 
Here, for grief, reward thee double, 

Crown with life beyond the grave. 

Montgomery. 



64 THINKING ALOUD. 



NINETEENTH BAY. 

Behold, happy is the man whom God cor- 
rected^ Job. v. 17. 

For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth ; even 
as a father the son in whom he delighteth. Prov., 
iii. 12. 

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten ; be 
zealous therefore, and repent. Rev., iii. 19. 

TT7HEN the beautiful flowers are all faded, 
' ^ and the leaves have fallen from the trees, 
and the earth is covered with snow, it seems as 
if God were angry with us and had taken 
away a great many pleasures and comforts 
from us ! We shiver in the cold, and every- 
thing looks dreary. But then, though we 
cannot see God's gentle hand working so 
silently beneath the snow and ice, we know 
that he is preparing for us the beauty of the 
Spring, and the blessings of the fruitful 
months. It seems as if God had put a cold and 
frozen band around our dear pleasant earth, 



THINKING ALOUD. 65 

when really it is his kind and loving arm 
working wonders for us, about which we 
can know but very little. 

Well, sometimes my heart seems just like 
a garden from which all the birds have flown 
and in which all the flowers have faded. 1 
feel as if all that made me happy had been 
taken away. And because God, my Heav- 
enly Father, sees it best to send me disap- 
pointments, or to let me suffer pain, I say to 
myself, God is making it all winter in my 
heanpt, and taking away the pleasant things 
I enjoyed. Oh ! how little I know of God's 
compassion ! How ready I am to complain ! 
Are we not told in the Bible that the way to 
heaven is narrow and straight — a way in 
which but few love to walk ? Why do I 
not oftener think of the end of this heavenly 
way ? 

When I am sick or in any trouble I ought 
not to think that God does not love me ; 
even though I can see that he is punishing 
me for my sins. Will he not be more like 
a father to those who wish to b<3 his chil- 
6* 



66 THINKING ALOUD. 

dren, than to those who do not love him? 
And certainly if he loves us he will reprove 
our faults. He is very tender in his care 
of us ! He notices all our troubles and tri- 
als, and he stands beside us in the midst of 
all the things which so constantly disturb 
us. I'm sure he would rejoice to smooth the 
rough places in our journey to heaven if it 
were always for our good. But sometimes 
we need these unpleasant things to remind 
us that this beautiful earth is not our home, 
and that we must hasten on our heavenly 
way, without loving our pleasures here so 
much as to make us forget the life which 
is eternal. Thus God shows us, that his 
tenderest compassion and love is for our 
souls, and if we are patient under his cor- 
rections, we shall be better prepared for the 
enjoyments of our heavenly home. 



Thy way, not mine, O Lord ! 

However dark it be ; 
Lead rne by thine own hand, 

Choose out the path for ine. 



THINKING ALOUD. 67 

Smooth let it be or rough, 

It will be still the best ; 
Winding or straight, it matters not, 

It leads me to thy rest. 

I dare not choose my lot, 

I would net, if I might ; 
Choose thou for me, my God, 

So shall I walk aright. 

Choose thou for me my friends, 

My sickness or my health ; 
Choose thou my cares for me, 

My poverty or wealth. 

Take thou my cup, and it 

With joy or sorrow fill, 
As best to thee may seem ; 

Choose thou my good and ill. 

Anon, 




68 THINKING ALOUD. 



TWENTIETH DAY. 

For what is your life ? It is even a vapor, that 
appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth 
away. James, iv. 14. 

My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle. 
Job, vii. 6. 

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with 
thy might ; for there is no work, nor device, nor 
knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave whither thou 
goest. Ec, ix. 10. 

For the things which are seen are temporal ; but 
the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Cor., 
iv. 18. 

Another day has gone ! I am one day 
nearer to the close of my earthly life ! Who 
knows what shall happen before the sun 
rises again ? No one can tell what a day 
may bring forth. One thing is certain— our 
whole life, though it may seem long to us, is 
but a little day in God's sight ! And the 
night of death comes nearer and nearer as 
each day's sun goes down. 



THINKING ALOUD. 69 

God will inquire at the end of this, 
earthly day, what I have done. He does 
not expect us to be idle or to live for our- 
selves alone. There is something for me 
to do in each day as it passes, and in every 
place where I am. The most important 
work I have to do is to prepare myself for 
death and heaven. My mind seems always 
filled with the thoughts and pleasures of 
this world ; I suppose it is because I am 
constantly in the midst of its scenes. How 
can I think as I ought of those things which 
are unseen ? It is just as if I were sitting 
at a window with a tree between me and 
the landscape beyond— I should see nothing 
but the tree, because it was so near me. Oh ! 
God, open the eyes of my mind to see the 
things of the next world just as they are : and 
"though the things of this world are 
near and close around, let me not forget the 
better life beyond this earthly one ! 

These bodies for which we do so much, 
will soon be carried by our friends to the 
quiet grave ! How many plans I make for 



7° 



THINKING ALOUD. 



to-morrow and how little I thkik of what I 
shall do in eternity ! It is foolish and dan- 
gerous for me to live so forgetful of my 
eternal life. My dear parents are always 
telling me to learn now the things I shall 
need to know when I am grown. They say 
that I must prepare myself for my future 
life in this world now while I am a child. 
Does not God call our earthly life our child- 
hood ; and must I not prepare in time for 
eternity? If I expect to enjoy heaven, 
surely I must try to fit myself to associate 
with, the holy beings who are there. 

When each day's scenes and labors close, 
And wearied nature seeks repose, 
With pardoning mercy richly blest, 
Guard me, my Saviour, while I rest ! 
And as each morning sun shall rise, 
O lead me onward to the skies ! 

And at my life's last setting sun, 
My conflicts o'er, my labors done, 
Jesus ! thy heavenly radiance shed, 
To cheer and bless my dying bed — 
And from death's gloom my spirit raise, 
To see thy face, and sing thy praise. 

Sir R. Grant. 



THINKING ALOUD. 71 



TWENTY-FIRST DA T. 

What would ye that I should do for you ? 
Mark, x. 36. 

The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, 
to the soul that seeketh him. Lam., iii. 25. 

No good thing will He withhold from them that 
walk uprightly. Ps., Ixxxiv. 11. 

The Lord giveth wisdom. Prov., 26. 

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temp- 
tation. Mat., xxvi. 41. 

He forgetteth not the cry of the humble. Ps., 
ix. 12. 

If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do 
it. John, xiv. 14. 

And the Lord hath given me my petition which 
I asked of him. 1 Sam., i. 27. 

Before they call I will answer ; and while they 
are yet speaking I will hear. Is., lxv. 24. 

TJOW many times have I written to my 
. "■ parents when I was absent from home, 
asking them to send me certain things ! 



jz THINKING ALOUD. 

How anxiously I waited for answers to my 
letters. And when they gratified my wishes, 
how glad and grateful I was ! How soon I 
returned my thanks to my dear, kind pa- 
rents. Oh, if I could only have the same 
confidence in my heavenly Father's love and 
his willingness to hear and bless me ! If I 
could only go directly to him and ask for 
the things which I need ! How delightful 
it would be to feel that God welcomes my 
prayer just as my parents delight to have 
me go to them with my requests ! 

Certainly God has said, "Ask and ye- 
shall receive." I will reverently carry this 
promise to him when I kneel to pray, and 
then I will not pretend to want blessings 
which I feel no real desire in my heart to 
have. I will, above all things, be sincere in 
God's holy presence. I will not mock him 
with a prayer for his Holy Spirit to keep 
me from sin, when I do not wish or intend 
to be holy. I will not offer before his glo- 
rious throne praises which do not rise with 
gratitude from my heart. I will not insult 



THINKING ALOUD. 



73 



the infinite God with a prayer which I do 
not remember even for a day. 

When my heavenly Father invites me to 
ask for what I need, I will go into his 
presence with humility, and offer unto him 
my petitions in the name of Jesus, who 
pleads for us before his Father's throne. 

I would be solemn and earnest while I 
talk with God ; but I will not be afraid to 
tell him that I love him, for he is willing to 
listen to the prayers and praises of the 
youngest and simplest. Does he not say, 
" Let me hear thy voice ?" 

Let me thank God that my sins cannot 
be too many or too great for his mercy to 
pardon. Therefore, I will confess my sins 
daily to him, and strive not to repeat the 
wickedness which offends him. I will also 
tell the Lord of all my temptatiors. My 
prayers shall be like my letters to my 
earthly parents. I will look for God's gra- 
cious answers, and I will rejoice to return 
my thanks for his goodness and love. 



74 THINKING ALOUD. 

Come, my soul, thy suit prepare, 
Jesus loves to answer prayer ; 
He himself has bid thee pray, 
Therefore will not say thee nay. 

Thou art coming to a King, 
Large petitions with thee bring ; 
For his grace and power are such, 
None can ever ask too much. 

With my burden I begin : 
Lord, remove this load of sin ! 
Let thy blood, for sinners spilt, 
Set my conscience free from guilt. 

While I am a pilgrim here, 

Let thy love my spirit cheer ; 

As my Guide, my Guard, my Friend } 

Lead me to my journey's end. 

Show me what I have to do, 
Every hour my strength renew ; 
Let me live a life of faith, 
Let me die thy people's death. 

Newton. 



THINKING ALOUD. 7J 



TWENTY-SECOND BAY. 

For whosoever exalteth himself shall b# abased ; 
and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. 
Luke, xiv. i 1. 

And those that walk in pride He is able to 
abase. Dan., iv. 37. 

Talk no more so exceeding proudly ; let not 
arrogancy come out of your mouth : for the Lord 
is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are 
weighed. 1 Sam., ii. 3. 

Choose the things that please me. Is., lxv. 4. 

i\nd the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold 
Joseph into Egypt. Acts, vii. 9. 

Let us not be desirous of vainglory, provoking 
one another, envying one another. Gal., v. 26. 

Let nothing be done through strife or vain- 
glory ; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem 
other better than themselves. Phil., ii. 3. 



] TpVERY body praises the sun ! Grown 
^ people and children, and birds and ani- 
mals are glad and happy in the light and 



7 6 THINKING ALOUD. 

warmth which the glorious sun pours down 
upon every thing and every creature on the 
earth ! But who ever thought of the sun's 
being proud ? The flowers bloom in beauti- 
ful shapes and colors everywhere, and every 
body admires and loves them — but who ever 
called the flowers proud ? The dear little 
birds all day long sing the sweetest songs in 
our gardens and in the solemn forests — but 
did any one ever say that the birds were 
vain and proud ? Oh, no ; the sun doesn't 
care whether we raise our eyes or not to 
look at his golden face. The flowers will 
spring up in places where their beautiful 
leaves will never be seen. The happy birds 
will sing whether any one listens or not ! 
Neither the sun, nor the flowers, nor the 
birds are proud of what they are or of what 
they can do ! 

To be sure, pride is very wicked and very 
foolish ; but I cannot think that it is wrong 
for me to be glad when I please others, and 
see that they love me. It must be right for 
us to try to please others and to gain their 



THINKING ALOUD. 



11 



love. Yet I have often been made unhappy 
by desiring too much the praise of my 
friends. I have been disappointed when 
they neglected to approve my looks and 
conduct. And besides all this foolishness, I 
am afraid I have sometimes been envious of 
the praise and admiration bestowed upon 
others. This certainly is wicked pride, and 
it must be one of the evil things which pro- 
ceed out of my heart. Oh God, please to 
take this unholy spirit away from me ! 

Do I not sometimes wish so much for the 
praise of others, and for their good opinion 
of me, that I pretend to be what I really 
am not ? How hateful this must be in the 
sight of God, who reads our hearts ! Dear 
heavenly Father, let thy grace in my heart be 
like the roots of a vine, which go down deep 
into the earth, so that there may be the 
real fruits of holiness in my daily life. 

Is it not wicked pride which makes us 

think that we are free from the faults others 

have? Are we not forbidden to compare 

ourselves with others at all ? It will be 

7* 



yS THINKING ALOUD. 

safest for me to study God's commands, and 
then I shall see what my character is, and I 
shall be able to know whether my conduct 
is such as to please him. I ought to pray 
and strive most of all to please God ! 

If I remember my many advantages, with 
all the instruction I have received, it will 
humble my pride to see how little pro- 
gress I have made, and how little there is 
to admire in me. I will try not to be proud, 
or dependent upon the praise of others. 
But yet I will offer to God my thanks for 
the love of my friends, and for the pleasure 
I have in trying to please them. 

v 'Tis being, and doing, 

And having, that make 
All the pleasures and pains 

Of which beings partake : 
To be what God pleases — 

To do a man's best ; 
And to have a good heart — 

h the toay to be blest" 

Anon. 



THINKING ALOUD. 79 



TWENTY-THIRD DAY. 

For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, 

Lord, thou knowest it altogether. Ps., cxxxix. 4. 
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do 

good unto all men. Gal., vi. 10. 

Honor all men. 1 Pet., ii. 17. 

And the King shall answer and say unto them 
Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done 
it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye 
have done it unto me. Matt., xxv. 40. 

And this is his commandment, That we should 
believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and 
love one another, as he gave us commandment. 

1 John, iii. 23. 

T "WONDER if there were any children in 
-*- Nazareth or Jerusalem who were rude or 
uncivil or disrespectful to Jesus ; if there 
were any who were rough and noisy and 
ill-behaved in his presence. I cannot bear 
to think that any boy or girl would insult 
and grieve him by such impolite and vulgar 



80 THINKING ALOUD, 

conduct ! And now, while I am thinking 
about it, it seems to me that such behaviour 
towards any person must displease him 
just as much as if it were offered to him- 
self. Our unkind looks and rough voices 
must grieve him though he is so far away. 
Was not the expression upon his face always 
gentle, and gracious, and kind ? He was 
full of grace and kindness when he dwelt 
among men. His voice was mild and full 
of love, and it seems to me that no one 
could have looked up into his eyes without 
' wanting to kneel down at his feet — to praise 
and worship him. And does he not say 
that a kindness shown to any of his friends 
is a kindness done to himself? Oh, will 
he not consider all our rude and disre- 
spectful conduct to others as offered to 
himself? 

We cannot love every body alike ! Did 
not the Lord appear to love John best, 
when he let him lean his head upon his bo- 
som, at the supper in the upper room. 
Surely he must be willing that we should 



THINKING ALOUD. 8 

have our particular friends. But certainly 
we ought to feel kindly towards every one, 
and to be glad to do them good as often as 
we have opportunity. If we were all 
really interested in each other's happiness, 
what a pleasant world it would be ! How 
glad we should be to see each other ; and 
how easily the cheerfulness and kindness of 
our hearts would be discovered in our words 
and tones ! 

When I feel ill-natured and selfish, I will 
try more than ever to put on a pleasant face, 
and to speak with a pleasant tone and man- 
ner ; for mother says if I strive to act po- 
litely and properly, it will help me to feel 
kindly ; but that if I yield at all to impa- 
tience, or selfishness, or anger, I shall only 
increase the difficulty of overcoming the 
wrong feeling. 

Does it not show the wickedness of our 
hearts, when God has to command us to be 
respectful and kind ? How strange that we 
should have to be commanded to love each 
other ! 



82 THINKING ALOUD. 



TWENTYFO JJRTh DA Y. 

There is joy in the presence of the angels of 
God over one sinner that repenteth. Luke, xv. 10. 

O, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom 
and knowledge of God ! How unsearchable are 
his judgments, and his ways past finding out ! 
Rom., xi. 33. 

For who maketh thee to differ from another ? 
1 Cor., iv. 7. 

What shall I render unto the Lord for all his 
benefits toward me ? Ps., ccxvi. 1 2. 

The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich ; he 
bringeth low, and lifteth up. 1 Sam., ii. 8. 

Did not I weep for him that was in trouble ? 
Was not my soul grieved for the poor ? Job, 
xxx. 25. 

Blessed is he that considereth the poor ; the 
Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. Ps., 
xli. I. 

A S the angels look down from heaven upon 
■^ our round green earth, I suppose that 
it appears a very little world to them! 



THINKING ALOUD. 83 

They could easily count all the members of 
God's great family who live here ! What 
feelings of surprise and wonder they must 
have as they look into our different homes ! 
How much darkness and ignorance and 
wretchedness they would see among the 
people in some parts of the world ! With 
what joy they would look into Christian 
homes, and listen to the hymns which the 
friends of Jesus sing ! How could they 
help wondering why God put such a differ- 
ence between his earthly children ? Would 
they not long to make us feel the greatness 
of God's sovereign goodness to us ? W x ould 
they not like to tell us how he sits a glorious 
King upon his throne, giving gifts to those 
whom he selects to receive his bounty, and 
guiding and ordering all things in love and 
wisdom ? 

When they saw a little infant laid in the 
arms of loving parents, who were able to 
give it a warm and happy home ; when they 
saw its little soul committed to the care of 
a father and mother who would delight in 



8 4 



THINKING ALOUD. 



leading it to Jesus — would they not rejoice 
in the love and mercy of God ? And when 
they saw another dear little babe given to 
a heathen mother, or left in a poor and 
wretched home — would they not weep, 
though they know that God is wise and 
good in all that he does? I think his 
ways must be unsearchable and past finding 
out, even to angels ! 

Oh ! why has it pleased God to do so 
much for me? How can I praise him 
enough that he gave me such parents and 
such a cheerful and happy home ! How many 
poor children are without friends to provide 
them shelter, or food, or clothing ! It must 
be very hard to be poor ! May I never 
forget those to whom God has denied the 
blessings he has given to me ; let me try to 
think of them in their cheerless homes till 
I am ready to deny myself pleasures to do 
them good ! 

Surely God's kindness to me ought to 
make me willing and glad to return to him 
the most grateful obedience. He asks us to 



THINKING ALOUD. 85 

consider what great things he has done for 
us. and I think he expects that his goodness 
to us will make us sorry for and ashamed 
of our sins. He commands us to think of 
his mercies and to fear him, and to serve 
him in truth with all our hearts. 

Nightly, when the winds are low ; 
In the firelight's fading glow ; 
Ere upon my snowy bed 
I have laid my weary head, 
Angels seem to stoop and say, 
" Haye you loved the Lord to-day V 

Holy angels ! come and be 
Dwellers in my home with me ! 
Make me gentle, tender, kind, 
Help me every hour to find 
Sweetest joy in duty done, 
Till, with you, my crown is won. 

E, D. Pjroctob. 

8 



86 THINKING ALOUD. 



TWENTY-FIFTH BAY. 

My son, give me thine heart. Prov., xxiii. 26. 

And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is 
thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin. 
For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man ; 
thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and 
reapest that thou didst not sow. Luke. xix. 20-21. 

For unto whomsoever much is given, of him 
shall be much required. Luke, xii. 48. 

And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the 
God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect 
heart and with a willing mind ; for the Lord 
searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the 
imaginations of the thoughts ; if thou seek him, 
he will be found of thee • but if thou forsake him, 
he will cast thee off forever. 1 Chron., xxviii. 9. 

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit ; a 
broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not 
despise. Ps., li. 17. 



1 



T would be very wicked for me to think 
that I am unable to do what God requires 



THINKING ALOUD. 



87 



of me ! It would be like that wicked ser- 
vant telling his Lord that he was an austere 
man, who expected to reap where he had 
sown no seed. I never like to read that 
verse ; it seems so wicked for any one to talk , 
to a kind master in that manner ! Our 
Lord is not harsh or severe with any of us ! 
He knows just what we are — for he made 
us. He knows just w^hat talents we have — 
for he gave them to us. And because God 
is our maker lie has a perfect right to re- 
quire us to serve him. Does not God know 
ns each by name? Does he not know our 
age and the amount of knowledge we have ? 
I will be ashamed of my wicked and unkind 
thoughts of God — for I know that he only 
requires me to follow the light I have. 

My soul is by nature full of sinful incli- 
nations, yet God my Heavenly Father, com- 
mands me to be holy. By nature I do not 
love God, but he says to me, Give me thy 
heart ; and oh, let me never complain or 
feel sorry that God wishes me to devote my 
life wholly to him. 



88 THINKING ALOUD. 

It is a comfort to read that God will 
accept our willing hearts, and remember in 
mercy all our circumstances ; but it is a 
solemn thought that to whom much is given 
from them much will be required. If he 
has given us a little knowledge I suppose 
that he will expect us to improve it — be- 
cause he will say that we might have under- 
stood what our duty was, if we had tried to 
learn his will. 

In many places in the Bible God offers to 
renew our corrupt hearts, and to assist us 
by the Holy Spirit. He teaches us to pray 
that the love of God may be shed abroad 
within us- — so that we may rejoice to serve 
him. It is wrong for me to say that I 
cannot give my heart to God, when all I 
have to do is to ask him to break my hard 
heart and make me love him. May I never 
be guilty of resisting the Holy Spirit when 
he strives to make my heart warm with love 
to Jesus ! Let me be ashamed to ask how 
little I can do for Jesus and yet keep his 
precious love to me ! Surely he knows who 



THINKING ALOUD. 89 

do all they can to please and serve him ! 
And he sees the tears of those who weep 
because they can do so little. 

Tender mercies on my way 

Falling softly like the dew, 
Sent me freshly every day, 

I will bless THE LOED for you. 

Though I have not all I would, 
Though to greater bliss I go, 

Every present gift of good 
To eternal love I owe. 

Source of all that comforts me, 
Well of joy for which I long, 

Let the song I sing to Thee 
Be an everlasting song. 

A. L. Waring. 



9 Q THINKING ALOUD. 



TWENTY-SIXTH BAY. 

There be many that say, Who will show us any 
good. Ps., iv. 6. 

At thy right hand there are pleasures forever 
more. Ps., xvi. 1 l. 

Trust in the Lord and do good. Ps., xxxvii. 3. 

Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God. 
* Tim., iii. 4. 

But they regard not the word of the Lord, 
neither consider the operation of his hands. Is., 
v. i z. 

CI OD has given me a desire for pleasure. 
^ He cannot wish to see my eyes full of 
tears, any more than my dear mother does ! 
I'm sure that he likes to see me bright and 
happy, like the little birds which sing among 
the trees and flowers, and like the little 
animals that play and frolic in the sunshine ! 
I wonder if there was no child in the 
house at Bethany, where Jesus loved to go 
so often. If there was, I do not believe that 



THINKING J LOUD. 



9 1 



he wanted it to sit perfectly still all the time. 
He loved children better than any one else 
ever loved them ; and he knows how hard it 
is for us to play without disturbing others 
by our noise ! I wish that I could learn to 
play in just the right way, so that none 
would think me a troublesome child ! 

My dear mother seems very tired of my 
constant asking what I shall do and how I 
shall find amusement and pleasure. She 
says I ought not to be all the time seeking 
my own gratification — that it is loving my- 
self so much which makes me so restless, and 
that if I would try to do something for 
others I should find that my own happiness 
would increase. She says no one ever ob- 
tained happiness by only wishing for it, or 
even by working hard to make themselves 
happy. And besides, she says that some- 
times the things which give us pain, bring 
to us in the end the best happiness; and that 
wheu God permits us to be sick or sends us 
disappointments to bear — even these sad and 
uncomfortable hours will do us good, and 



9 2 THINKING ALOUD. 

procure for us a pleasure in trying to be 
patient and contented. 

My friends tell me I shall find the most of 
my happiness in little things ; that if I am 
not careless and thoughtless I shall find the 
sweetest and most constant pleasure in God's 
little gifts. Now I will try and see if this 
is true. When the rain comes down from 
heaven, I will sit and watch it fall, and see 
what it does for the dusty leaves and thirsty 
plants. When the sun sets I will enjoy 
the glorious colors of the beautiful sky. I will 
watch the little twigs and branches, that I 
may welcome the first buds of spring ; and 
when the frost bites ofl the golden leaves, I 
will try to hear the solemn lessons which 
they teach when the wind makes them rustle 
on the ground. I know that those who love 
to watch God's wonderful works in nature, 
find a great deal of happiness ! But let me 
find my greatest pleasure in trying to imi- 
tate the blessed Saviour, who spent his life 
in doing good. 



THIN KIN a ALOUD. 

Who hears the cold and driving wind, 
Play round his warm and happy home, 

And thinks not with a pitying heart, 
Of those who unprotected roam ? 

Who rests upon his easy bed 

With blankets soft, and pillows white, 
Without a loving prayer to God 

For those who dread the dreary night % 

Who knows the sovereign reason why 
His home with every joy is blessed ? 

Let grateful hearts with generous love, 
Relieve the needy and distressed. 

G. W. H. 



93 




94 



THINKING ALOUD. 



TWENTY-SEVENTH DA Y. ■ 

God is a spirit ; and they that worship him 
must worship him in spirit and in truth. John, 
iv. 24. 

For God, who commanded the light to shine 
out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give 
the light of the knowledge of the glory of God 
in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Cor,, iv 6. 

O Lord, thou art our Father. Is., Ixiv. 8. 

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all 
thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy 
might. Deut., vi. 5. 

TT is hard for me to think of God only as 
-*- a spirit ! He seems then like a being far 
away from me, and I cannot feel certain and 
satisfied that he loves and remembers such a 
poor and humble creature as I am. And if 
I think of his glorious character, of his per- 
fect holiness and justice and of his great 
and terrible power — then I am afraid to 
speak to him from out my heart so full of 
sin. 



THINKING ALOUD. 95 

God knew that we could not be satisfied 
with only the knowledge of himself as a 
spirit, and so he came near to us in a human 
form, and showed us his glory in the face of 
his Son Jesus Christ. As Moses covered his 
head with a vail, when he came down from 
the mountain, when God had talked with 
him, because the sinful people were afraid 
of his shining face — so God vailed his glory 
and spoke to us with the gentle voice of 
our Saviour, and walked among us in a hu- 
man form. How tenderly the great God 
remembers our weakness and our fears ! 

When I hear and know that God is a 
Father, I feel happy in the thought that he 
is very near to me ! When I remember 
that it is from his love that I receive every 
gift, I rejoice that he can see me every 
moment ; I feel like stretching out my hands 
towards him, just as little babies hold out 
their arms to go to their mothers. How 
can we help wishing to go to a friend who 
shows us such love and kindness ? God is 
the giver of all my blessings ; though I am 



96 THINKING ALOUD. 

so young and so unworthy, he seems never to 
forget that I need his care and protection. 
How strange and wicked it would be if I 
did not love him best — if I did not love him 
even better than I do my earthly parents and 
friends ! 

Surely no one ever has been, or can be, so 
good to me as my heavenly Father ; and 
there is no one beside God whom I ought to 
love with all my heart, and soul, and mind, 
and strength. The glorious God commands 
me to love him supremely, because he has 
made my soul capable of loving that which 
is holy and good ; and certainly when I 
know that lie is the holiest and the best, I 
ought to love him most of all. 

Oh, Holy Spirit, change my unholy heart, 
that it may love that which is holy ; help me 
to think of all God's mercies to me, and 
grant that I may give my whole heart to my 
Heavenly Father, who alone is worthy of 
our best love. Amen. 



THINKING ALOUD. gy 



TWENTY-EIGHTH BAY. 

When the Son of man shall come in his glory, 
and all the holy angels with him, then shall he 
sit upon the throne of his glory : 

And before him shall be gathered all nations ; 
and he shall separate them one from another, as a 
shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats. 

And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, 
but the goats on the left. 

Then shall the King say unto them on his right 
hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the 
kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of 
the world. Matt., xxv. 31-34. 

For to be carnally minded is death, but to be 
spiritually minded is life and peace. Rom., viii. 6. 

And Enoch walked with God. Gen., v. 24. 

And Noah walked with God. Gen., vi. 9. 

TN the beginning when God made the world 
-*- he divided the light from the darkness ; 
and in the end of the world all nations shall 
be gathered before him, and he shall sepa- 
rate them one from another as a shepherd 
9 



08 THINKING ALOUD. 

divideth his sheep from the goats. God 
will put each of us just where we belong, 
because he will know perfectly what our 
characters are ! He will know whether we 
have loved to think of him, whether we have 
prayed to grow more and more like him, and 
whether we have tried to fit our spirits for his 
presence or not. If we have spent all our 
thoughts and time here upon the earth to 
please and gratify our bodies, then we shall 
see that we have lived selfish and earthly 
lives ! But if we have loved the Lord with 
all our minds, if we have thought about God 
and remembered him, and asked him to 
feed our souls with the bread of life — then 
the Lord, who died to save us, will welcome 
us to sit with those who were spiritually 
minded here in this world. 

Oh ! what a mercy it is that God is so 
willing to give us the Holy Ghost! Our 
minds are so dark and ignorant unless he 
teaches us ! Did not these spirits of ours 
come from God, who is a spirit ? Certainly 
we must go to him for the spiritual know- 



THINKING ALOUD 



99 



ledge and food we need. The blessed spirit 
can put into our hearts spiritual thoughts 
and spiritual desires, and he can make our 
inclinations spiritual and holy, instead of 
earthly and selfish. Surely when I feel the 
influences of the Holy Ghost in my heart, I 
will praise God for his mercy, and strive to 
keep the blessed spirit with me, to purify 
and sanctify my unholy heart. 

When I pray I will ask most of all for 
blessings for my soul. I will ask God to 
give me more faith that I may believe his 
promises and his solemn threatenings. I 
will ask him to open my spiritual eyes that 
I may not stumble and fall into sin and 
danger. 

My catechism teaches me that God is an 
infinite and invisible Being ; but if we choose 
we can certainly learn a great deal about 
the character of God, by studying the 
things which he has made. Everything 
around us shows his power and his goodness, 
and that he is a kind Father to us ! And 
the gift of his dear Son to suffer upon the 



loo THINKING ALOUD. 

cross for us, shows us more than our minds 
can ever understand of his infinite love. 
Dear Father in heaven, help me to know what 
it is to live a spiritual life ! Teach me what 
it is to walk with God as Enoch did. Take 
my hand in thine and lead me to thyself. 

my Saviour, crucified ! 
Near thy cross may I abide ; 
There to gaze, with steadfast eye, 
On thy dying agony. 

Jesus, bruised and put to shame, 
Tells me all the Father's name ; 
Gcd is love, I surely know, 
By my Saviour's depths of woe ! 

In his sinless soul's distress, 

1 behold my guiltiness ; 

O ! how vile my low estate, 
Since my ransom was so great. 

Dwelling on Mount Calvary, 
Contrite shall my spirit be ; 
Rest and holiness shall find, 
Fashioned like my Saviour's mind. 

A.NON. 



THINKING ALOUD. 101 



TWENTY-NINTH DAY 

What ! know ye not that your body is the 
temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which 
ye have of God, and ye are not your own ? 

For ye are bought with a price -therefore gloiify 
God in your body, and in your spirit, which are 
God's. I Cor., vi. 19-20. 

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bcdy. 
Rom., vi. 12. 

Our bodies washed with pure water. Heb., 
x. 22. 

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed 
in white raiment. Rev., iii. 5. 

Do thyself no harm. Acts, xvi. 29. 

If any man defile the temple of God, him shall 
God destroy ; for the temple of God is holy, 
which temple ye are. l Cor., iii. 17 

Mine age is departed, and is removed from 
me as a shepherd's tent. Is., xxxviii. 12. 

MY body is only the building in which my 
soul lives ! It is only a tent which my 
spirit may use while I am on my earthly 
journey ! But though it is so inferior to my 
9* 



102 THINKING ALOUD. 

soul I must take good care of it, that it may 
be fit for my use, and add to my happiness. 
How great is the goodness which God has 
shown to us in the formation of our bodies ! 

Has God told us how to treat these bodies 
which he created with such skill ? I find 
in the Bible this command, Do thyself no 
harm — but that was what Paul said to the 
keeper of his prison, when he drew out his 
sword to Mil himself. To be sure I never 
mean to kill myself! Does it not teach us 
that we must not harm our bodies in any 
way ? 

I will thank God that I am not deaf or 
dumb or crippled. I will praise him for all 
the pleasant things I see ; for all the pleas- 
ant sounds I hear. With my lips I will sing 
songs of gratitude to my heavenly Father ! 

My body is the temple of the Holy Ghost. 
Oh ! let me never defile it by impure acts ! 
I pray God to make me pure and modest in 
all my thoughts, that I may be holy in body 
and spirit. God, give me thy Holy Spirit 
that sin may not reign in my body ! 



THINKING ALOUD. 



103 



In one place in the Bible it speaks about 
our bodies being washed with pure water ; 
and the saints in heaven are said to be 
clothed in white linen garments. I think 
when I read these verses, and those verses 
in the Old Testament, where it tells of the 
priests bathing so often in the lavers of brass, 
that God even notices whether we are clean 
and neat in our bodies and dress ! Are 
not whiteness and purity signs of the holi- 
ness and cleanness of our hearts ? May 
God help me to wash my soul in the foun- 
tain of Jesus 7 blood, that I may be cleansed 
from all sin, and may my body be kept a 
pure and holy temple for the Lord to dwell 
in! 

Am I strong and well ? How grateful I 
ought to be for health ; God's sweetest gifts 
can give us no pleasure if we are ill and in 
pam ! Let me never do anything to injure 
my health ! 

How long shall I live in this weak yet 
wonderful body ? God only can tell. He 
mil take the tent down when it pleases 



104 THINKING ALOUD. 

him ! When I reach the shore of the river 
of death my soul must leave the body which 
gave it a home in this world. Who will 
watch to see me step upon the other side of 
Jordan ? Dear Lord Jesus, send some 
loving angel to welcome me with smiles, as 
I pass through the gates of glory. I trust 
thy grace to save me ! 

There came a little child with sunny hair, 

All fearless to the brink of Death's dark rivei 
And with a sweet confiding in the care 

Of Him who is of life the joy and Giver ; 
And, as upon the waves she left our sight, 
We heard her say : " My Saviour makes them 
bright." 

Anon. 




THINKING- ALOUD. 105 



THIRTIETH BAY. 

And he taught daily in the temple. Luke, 
xix. 43. 

Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. 
Ex., xx. 8. 

But the Lord is in his holy temple ; let all the 
earth keep silence before him. Hab., ii. 20. 

For where two or three are gathered together 
in my name, there am I in the midst of them. 
Mat., xviii. 20. 

Serve the Lord with gladness ; come before his 
presence with singing. Ps. c. 2. 

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into 
his courts with praise ; be thankful unto him, and 
bless his name. Ps., c. 4. 

Go thy way for h by the footsteps of the flock. 
Cant., i. 8. 

TTO W happy those children must have been 
-*-•*- who went with their parents into the 
temple when Jesus taught the people ! I'm 
sure they listened very carefully to see if he 
said anything which they could understand ! 



io6 THINKING ALOUD. 

Oh ! what happy days those were when chil- 
dren could really see the Son of God, and 
hear his gracious words ! The Bible says 
that he is in his holy temple now ; and that 
when his people meet to worship him he is 
there to hear their prayers, and to accept 
their praise. It certainly is very different 
from seeing him as the people saw him in 
the old temple of the Jews ! I must have 
more faith than the young Jewish children 
had if I am permitted to feel the presence 
of the Saviour in the house of God ! And 
those who believe are promised better things 
than those who see. Christ said to Thomas, 
" Because thou hast seen me thou hast be- 
lieved ; blessed are they that have not seen, 
and yet have believed." I will not doubt 
that the Lord is in his holy temple. I will go 
into his presence with reverence, and offer 
my worship with a happy confidence that 
he is there to listen to my praise. Will not 
the Lord graciously reward my humble 
faith, if I go into his house expecting to 
meet *him there? Is he not pleased with 



THINKING ALOUD. 107 

our faith in his promises ? Will he not draw 
near to those who try to draw near to him ? 

I like best to kneel in my own room be- 
fore God, and to read his word in my own 
dear Bible ; but did not David go into the 
great congregation to join the people in 
their public worship ? Did he not love to 
sing with them the glorious Psalms ? 
God, let not my heart be far from thee, 
while I honor thee with my lips. 

The ministers of the Gospel speak to us 
in the name of the Lord ; I ought to at- 
tend to what they say. How can I expect the 
sweet and holy benediction to rest upon my 
soul when I leave the house of God, if I have 
been inattentive and careless while there? 
The Redeemer calls himself the Good 
Shepherd — does he not feed his flock in his 
acred house on his own holy day ? 1 can- 
iiot miss the privilege of going there with 
those who love him. Yes ; I will try to 
hear and understand all that I can of the 
word preached ; and the Sabbath shall be to 
aie ray best and happiest day ! 



lo8 THINKING- ALOUD. 



THIRTY-FIRST DAT. 

Whosoever will come after me, let him deny 
himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 
Mark, viii. 34 

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou 
shalt be saved. Acts, xvi. 31. 

Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy 
youth. Ec. xii., 1. 

I delight to do thy will, O my God ; yea, thy 
law is within my heart. Ps., xl. 8. 

O God, thou knowest my foolishness ; and my 
sins are not hid from thee. Ps., lxix. 5. 

Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to 
come. 1 Thess., i. 10. 

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eter- 
nal life. 1 Tim., vi. 12. 

Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy 
kingdom. Luke, xxiii. 42. 

rpHB followers of the Lord Jesus Christ 
-*- are called Christians. Christ the Lord 
of glory is their leader, their friend, and 



THINKING ALOUD. 



109 



their Saviour. Am I following him — is he my 
leader ? Do I love him — is he my friend ? 
Do I trust in him for my soul's salvation — is 
he my Saviour ? How happy I am if I can 
answer yes to these three questions ! 

Jesus does not tell us exactly how old we 
must be to be Christians — he does not say 
that one so young as I cannot be a Christian. 
Who are Christians ? Are they those who 
know Christ and believe him to be our 
Saviour who forgives us our sins, and saves 
us from the wrath of God which we have 
deserved ? I know that Jesus is the holy 
Son of God, and that he is a man also ; that 
he calls himself our brother and yet is our 
divine Saviour. I will trust in him to save 
my soul. 

' Do Christians believe all that Jesus 
teaches? I will study the Scriptures to 
know what Jesus says. 

Are Christians soldiers of Christ? I will 
pray for strength to fight against every sin ; 
I will ask the Lord to dwell in my heart and 
to conquer for me. 



I i o THINKING ALO UD. 

Are Christians like Jesus, separate from 
sinners? I will love those who love the 
Lord. 

Do Christians weep over their sins ? I 
will repent of all that is wicked in my 
heart and ways ; I will delight to do God's 
w r ill, and his law shall be in my heart and I 
will try to love it. 

Do Christians work for Christ ? I will 
try to do good and to set a holy example. 

Do Christians belong to Christ ? I will 
give myself to him and ask him to remem- 
ber me in his heavenly kingdom. 

Are Christians all alike ? Oh no ; do not 
the beams of the same sun rear the tall pine 
upon the mountain top and the pretty violet 
out of its bed of glossy leaves ? Does not 
the sun bring forth the bud and flower from 
every seed and ripen the various fruits of 
the earth? So will God's Spirit be the 
author of holy thoughts and desires in all 
our hearts till we each become a temple 
where the Saviour loves to dwell. And as 
the sun shines upon the cold earth — so the 



THINKING ALOUD. 1 1 1 

blessed Spirit will warm our different hearts 
that we may each bring from our own garden 
the fruits of faith and love to the praise of 
him who died to save us. 

Jesus ! thou art the sinner's Friend , 

As such I look to thee ; 
Now, in the fullness of thy love, 

Lord ! remember me. 

Kemember thy pure word of grace — 

Remember Calvary ; 
Remember all thy dying groans, 

And, then, remember me. 

Lord ! I am guilty — I am vile, 

But thy salvation's free ; 
Then in thy all abounding grace, 

Dear Lord ! remember me. 

And, when I close my eyes in death, 

When creature helps all flee, 
Then, O my dear Redeemer God ! 

1 pray, remember me. 

Paekinson SELua 



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